Clonidine, an antihypertensive drug, stimulates postsynaptic alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the central nervous system and lowers arterial pressure through the effects on both cardiac output and peripheral resistance. However, many patients experience that sedation and xerostomia occur 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 tested the antihypertensive effects of trandermal administration of clonidine patch on spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) which is a model animal for human essential hypertension. Forty eight SHR (male) were divided into six groups according to the dose levels, respectively. After transdermal administration of clonidine patch of each dose, systolic blood pressure and heart rate were measured. Clonidine patch produced maximal antihypertensive and bradycardiac effects 48 hrs after administration and antihypertensive effects showed dose-dependency. We suggest that antihypertensive effects of clonidine patch are similar to those of orally given clonidine and clonidine patch can be used instead of clonidine tablet.