Oral Clonidine for Rapid Control of Accelerated Hypertension

30 emergency-room patients (15 men, 15 women) aged 27 to 64 years with accelerated hypertension (diastolic blood pressure > 115 mm Hg, mean supine MAP 150 +/- 2 mm Hg).

Oral clonidine loading (initial dose 0.1 to 0.2 mg, followed by 0.1 mg every hour until DBP lowered or total 0.5 mg given), followed by chronic maintenance therapy (average 0.375 mg daily) with concurrent diuretic therapy.

Satisfactory blood pressure response (reduction of supine DBP to 105 mm Hg or lower if baseline was 115-135 mm Hg, or reduction by at least 30 mm Hg if baseline >135 mm Hg).surrogate