Transdermal clonidine (Catapres-TTS) monotherapy in the management of mild hypertension in general practice.

The efficacy and patient acceptance of transdermal clonidine applied once a week were assessed in 62 mild hypertensives previously controlled on a diuretic and/or beta-blocker in a general practice setting involving 18 general practitioners. Patients underwent 3-5 week wash-out period and those patients whose mean seated diastolic blood pressure returned to levels between 91-105 mmHg or increased by greater than 10 mmHg above the initial value, were titrated with transdermal clonidine (Catapres-TTS-1, 2, or 3) and maintained on the optimal dose for 3 months with monthly check-ups. Satisfactory response of blood pressure to levels below 90 mmHg or greater than 10 mmHg reduction from the wash-out level was obtained in 85% of patients who completed the titration phase; nine patients failed to achieve a satisfactory blood pressure control. There was no significant difference in blood pressure response between previous therapy and transdermal clonidine treatment. Systemic side effects were minimal. Eight patients withdrew because of local allergic contact dermatitis. This study confirms that transdermal clonidine is at least as effective in reducing blood pressure as diuretic and/or beta-blocker therapy.