Resembles opioid toxicity
Sx
Hypotension
Bradycardia
Altered mental status
Respiratory depression
Miosis
Mechanism
Primarily a presynaptic CNS alpha2-agonist (which prevents release of synaptic vesicles), inhibiting sympathetic outflow, which results primarily in a reduction of sympathetically mediated vasoconstriction, cardiac inotropy, and chronotropy.
Also has peripheral alpha1-agonist activity, which may produce transient vasoconstriction and hypertension early in overdose when peripheral drug levels may be transiently higher than levels in the CNS.
Content on this page has not been checked for accuracy. The author's credentials have not been confirmed. Always use multiple peer-reviewed scholarly sources and good clinical judgement in your decision making.
The Compendium platform was created by David Kwinter, MD, CCFP(EM).
Dr. Kwinter is a Cayman Family Doctor. He runs a Family Medicine Clinic at Cayman Medical in George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.
Dr. Kwinter is a Cayman Family Doctor. He runs a Family Medicine Clinic at Cayman Medical in George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.