Background Clonidine, a derivate of Imidazol, is an antihypertensive drug. It acts by stimulating adrenergic receptors on nerves in the brain and Imidazol-receptors. As a result, clonidine slows the heart rate and reduces blood pressure. Clonidine was approved by the FDA in 1974 and is registered in Austria with the brand name “Catapresan”.