Explanation
• Clonidine is a central alpha-2 agonist. Since the medication is lipid soluble, it has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and reach the alpha-2 receptors in the brain. This reduces sympathetic outflow and slows heart rate and dilates blood vessels
• Alpha-1 receptors are found in vascular smooth muscle. Stimulation results in vasoconstriction (phenylephrine, norepinephrine) and inhibition results in vasodilation (carvedilol, labetalol - also block beta-1 receptors)
• Beta-1 receptors are found in the heart. Stimulation results in increased contractility and heart rate (norepinephrine, dobutamine) and inhibition results in decreased heart rate and cardiac output (metoprolol, atenolol)
• Beta-2 receptors are found in smooth muscle such as the bronchi, coronary arteries, and skeletal muscle arteries. Stimulation results in smooth muscle relaxation (albuterol) and inhibition results in constriction (propranolol - also blocks beta-2 receptors)