1. Clonidine

What do I do if the patient has a specific contraindication to perioperative beta blockers? Well, you now have an alternative therapy for BBAC in patients who have a specific contraindication to perioperative beta blockers. These contraindications would include: asthma (COPD is NOT a contraindication to beta blockers) and high grade AV block without a pacemaker. Let me be very clear about this. COPD is NOT a contraindication to perioperative beta blockers. Diabetes is NOT a contraindication to perioperative beta blockers. Congestive Heart Failure is NOT a contraindication to perioperative beta blockers. Clonidine is appropriate for patients who have reactive asthma, allergy to beta blockers, or high grade AV block without a pacemaker.