Long-term (5 year) experience with transdermal clonidine in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension.

The long-term safety and efficacy of transdermal clonidine (C-TTS) was evaluated in 102 patients with mild to moderate hypertension over a mean treatment period of 4.9 +/- 1.4 years. C-TTS size 1 was used by 29.4%, C-TTS size 2 by 35.3%; in 35.3% of the patients a diuretic agent was given in addition. The baseline blood pressure of 168/100 mmHg was reduced to 150/85 mmHg at the end of titration and remained stable during long-term treatment. After 5 years seated blood pressure was 147/83 mmHg. Systemic side-effects, e.g. 4.9% dry mouth, were reported mainly during the first month. Transient local side-effects occurred mainly between weeks 4-26, thereafter the incidence clearly diminished and did not cause any withdrawal due to skin reactions from 1 year up to 6.5 years. Overall the long-term transdermal clonidine treatment was highly accepted by the patients, was effective and was well tolerated.