Central-acting agents lower heart rate and reduce blood pressure. The medicine blocks signals from the brain to the nervous system that increase the heart rate and narrow blood vessels. As a result, the heart doesn't pump as hard and blood flows more easily through the body's veins and arteries.
Central-acting agents are also called central adrenergic inhibitors, central alpha agonists and central agonists.
Several central-acting agents are available. The best one for you depends on your health and the condition being treated.
Examples of central-acting agents include:
- Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay)
- Guanfacine (Intuniv)
- Methyldopa
Central-acting agents are often prescribed in combination with other drugs if other medications haven't helped lower blood pressure.
The medicine may also be used to prevent, treat or improve signs and symptoms of other heath conditions, such as:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Drug withdrawal, such as from opioid pain medications
- Hot flashes in menopause
- Tourette syndrome
Central-acting agents can have strong side effects. Possible side effects include:
- Slow heart rate
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- Impotence
Suddenly stopping a central-acting agent can cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure. Don't stop taking these medications without talking to your doctor.
Show References
- Bakris GL, et al. Central sympathetic agents and direct vasodilators. In: Hypertension: A Companion to Braunwald's Heart Disease. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed July 9, 2019.
- Types of blood pressure medications. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/types-of-blood-pressure-medications. Accessed June 25, 2019.
- Bonow RO, et al., eds. Systemic hypertension: Management. In: Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2019. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed June 27, 2019.
- Krull KR. Pharmacology of drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed July 10, 2019.
- Sevarino KA. Medically supervised opioid withdrawal during treatment for addiction. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed July 10, 2019.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure-medication/ART-20044451