Formulary

2.5.2 Centrally acting antihypertensive drugs

First Line
Second Line
Specialist
Hospital Only
Methyldopa
  • Tablets 125mg, 250mg, 500mg (£36.60 = 250mg three times a day)

Indications

Dose

  • Initially 250mg 2–3 times daily, increased gradually at intervals of at least 2 days, maximum 3g daily

Notes

  1. Women should stop methyldopa within two days of delivery after the birth and change to a different drug if required
Moxonidine
  • Tablets 200micrograms, 300micrograms, 400micrograms (£4.15 = 400micrograms daily)

Indications

  • Mild to moderate essential hypertension when thiazides, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers are not appropriate or have failed to control blood pressure. Its use outside these indications is not recommended

Dose

  • 200micrograms once daily in the morning, increased if necessary after 3 weeks to 400micrograms daily in 1–2 divided doses; maximum 600micrograms daily in 2 divided doses (maximum single dose 400micrograms)
Clonidine
  • Tablets 100micrograms
  • Injection 150micrograms in 1ml (unlicensed preparation)