Circulation

In clonidine and guanfacine poisonings, hypotension is caused by alpha-blocking effects on the peripheral vasculature. First-line treatment for hypotension is intravenous fluid resuscitation.

Bradycardia is a common feature of clonidine and guanfacine poisonings. Atropine transiently improves bradycardia, but is only indicated if there is associated hypotension. Use:

Initial hypertension, though reported, is rarely observed. Treatment for hypertension is not required and administering antihypertensive drugs will exacerbate the hypotensive phase.