Question

​A client is taking the centrally acting alpha2 agonist, clonidine for management of hypertension. The client complains of dry mouth. Identify two (2) suggestions to address this adverse effect to clonidine.

Answer 1

To relieve dryness of the mouth caused by taking clonidine, the patient may suck sugar-free candies or chew sugar-free gum to kindle the flow of saliva. Both the gum and hard candies can stimulate the salivary glands to produce more saliva. Another way is to limit the intake of soda or coffee as they tend to make your mouth drier; besides, they are not good for hypertensive patients.