Crossover comparison of moxonidine and clonidine in mild to moderate hypertension

Abstract

The antihypertensive effect of moxonidine·HCl·H₂O (MOX) was compared with that of clonidine·HCl (CLON) in a randomized double-blind crossover study in 20 hypertensive outpatients (BP range 154–178/96–108 mmHg). After 2 weeks without antihypertensive medication, either MOX 0.2 mg daily or CLON 0.2 mg daily was given and the dose was titrated until the diastolic blood pressure fell below 90 mmHg. The first treatment period was continued for 2 weeks and, after crossover without a wash-out period, it was followed by the second treatment for a further 2 weeks. Within the first 4 days of administration 0.2–0.4 mg of either agent caused a significant decrease in BP (pp=0.003) was noted, and after discontinuation of therapy a more rapid rise in BP (systolic BP ppp=0.003).