Abstract
Clonidine, an antihypertensive drug, stimulates postsynaptic $\alpha_2$adrenergic receptors in the CNS and lowers arterial pressure by erects on both cardiac output and peripheral resistance. However, many patients experience that sedation and xerostomia occured upon oral administration of clonidine. These side effects are due to high plasma peak concentration and can be avoided when clonidine is given transdermally. In this study, we performed the skin irritation test for transdermal administration of clonidine patch on New Zealand white rabbits. Twelve New Zealand white rabbits were divided into two groups according to the dose levels, respectively. After transdermal administration of clonidine patch with two doses, clinical manifestations, body weight loss and postmortem findings were observed. We could not find any significant evidence of skin irritation by transdermal administration of clonidine patch.
