Guanabenz Overdose
- ALAN H. HALL, M.D.;
- SUSAN C. SMOLINSKE, B.S., R.Ph.;
- KENNETH W. KULIG, M.D.; and
- BARRY H. RUMACK, M.D.
Excerpt
Guanabenz (2,6-dichlorobenzylidene aminoguanidine acetate; Wytensin; Wyeth Laboratories, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is a centrally acting, selective, alpha2-adrenergic agonist combining the substituted benzene ring of clonidine with the aminoguanidine sidechain of guanethidine (1). The hypotensive and bradycardic effects of this new antihypertensive agent are mediated by stimulation of postsynaptic inhibitory receptors in the central nervous system, which results in decreased peripheral sympathetic tone (1). Therapeutic doses range from 8 to 96 mg/d for adults and 3 to 13 mg/d for children (2, 3). Experience with guanabenz overdose is limited. Animal studies of overdose have shown sedation, cardiac depression, ataxia, hyperglycemia, and hypothermia (1).
This 100-word excerpt has been provided in the absence of an abstract.
Article and Author Information
-
▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Barry H. Rumack, M.D.; Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, 645 Bannock Street; Denver, CO 80204-4507.
Most Read
