Drug Quiz #1 (2026-2027) - Vasodilator/Alpha-1 Adrenergic Blocker/ Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist

Hydralazine (Brand Name)

Apresoline

Hydralazine (MOA)

Direct vasodilation of arterioles (with little effect on veins) with decreased systemic resistance

Hydralazine (FDA Indication; Off Label Use)

Hypertension; Heart failure

Hydralazine (Dosage Form; Dosage; Hepatic/Renal Dosage)

Oral; HTN: initial - 10 mg QID for 2-4 d, may titrate to 25 mg QID for 3-5 d, then titrate to the lowest effective dose at intervals of 1 wk (max 300 mg/d); Hepatic: N/A, Renal: CrCl <10 mL/min, increase dosing interval to q8-12h

Hydralazine (Drug Interaction)

NSAIDs, furosemide, metoprolol/propranolol

Doxazosin (Brand Name)

Cardura

Doxazosin (MOA)

Competitively inhibits postsynaptic alpha1-adrenergic receptors which results in vasodilation of veins and arteriole

Doxazosin (FDA Indication; Off Label Use)

Hypertension, Benign prostatic hyperplasia; Posttraumatic stress disorder-related nightmares, Expulsion of distal ureteral stone

Doxazosin (Dosage Form; Dosage; Hepatic/Renal Dosage)

Oral; HTN: IR - 1 mg QD, max 16 mg QD; Hepatic: Mild-moderate impairment - not required, severe impairment - avoid use, Renal: N/A

Doxazosin (Drug Interaction)

Alpha 1 blockers, beta- blockers, calcium channel blockers, PDE inhibitors, monoamine oxidase

Terazosin (Brand Name)

Hytrin

Terazosin (MOA)

Competitively inhibits postsynaptic alpha1-adrenergic receptors which results in vasodilation of veins and arteriole

Terazosin (FDA Indication; Off Label Use)

Hypertension, Benign prostatic hyperplasia; Expulsion of distal ureteral stone

Terazosin (Dosage Form; Dosage; Hepatic/Renal Dosage)

Oral; HTN: 1 mg po QHS, may titrate to 20 mg/d; Hepatic: Lower doses may be required, Renal: N/A

Terazosin (Drug Interaction)

Alpha 1 blockers, beta- blockers, calcium channel blockers, PDE inhibitors, monoamine oxidase

Clonidine (Brand Name)

Catapres

Clonidine (MOA)

Stimulates alpha-2 adrenoceptors in the brain stem

Clonidine (FDA Indication; Off Label Use)

Hypertension, Cancer pain, ADHD; Vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause, ICU sedation, Opioid withdrawal

Clonidine (Dosage Form; Dosage; Hepatic/Renal Dosage)

Oral, Transdermal Patch, Epidural Solution; HTN: IR tablet - 0.1 mg BID; transdermal patch, 0.1 mg/day patch applied every 7 days; Hepatic: N/A, Renal: CrCl <30 mL/min - start with lowest dose and titrate carefully

Clonidine (Drug Interaction)

Tricyclic antidepressants, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, opioids, alcohol and sedatives

Guanfacine (Brand Name)

Intuniv

Guanfacine (MOA)

Stimulates alpha-2 adrenoceptors in the brain stem

Guanfacine (FDA Indication; Off Label Use)

Hypertension, ADHD; N/A

Guanfacine (Dosage Form; Dosage; Hepatic/Renal Dosage)

Oral; HTN (IR only): 0.5-1 mg QHS, may titrate by 1 mg/d at 3-4 wk intervals (max 2 mg/d); Hepatic: N/A, Renal; N/A

Guanfacine (Drug Interaction)

Tricyclic antidepressants, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, opioids, alcohol and sedatives