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CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM › ANTIHYPERTENSIVES › ANTIADRENERGIC AGENTS, CENTRALLY ACTING › Imidazoline receptor agonists
clonidine
C02AC01
Forms & Strengths
- Tablets: 0.1mg, 0.2mg, 0.3mg
- Transdermal patches: 0.1mg/day, 0.2mg/day, 0.3mg/day
- Oral solution: 0.1mg/mL
- Injectable solution: 0.15mg/mL (for epidural use)
Adult Dosing
- Hypertension: initially 0.1mg orally twice daily, titrate to 0.2-0.6mg orally twice daily
- ADHD: 0.1mg orally at bedtime, may increase by 0.1mg every 3-7 days
- Pain management: 0.1-0.3mg orally or transdermally, adjust according to pain response
Pediatric Dosing
- Hypertension (12-17 years): initially 0.1mg orally at bedtime, titrate to 0.1-0.2mg orally twice daily
- ADHD (6-17 years): 0.1mg orally at bedtime, may increase by 0.1mg every 3-7 days, up to 0.4mg/day
- Pain management (12-17 years): 0.1-0.2mg orally or transdermally, adjust according to pain response
Indications
- Hypertension
- ADHD (as adjunctive therapy)
- Severe cancer pain
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Postoperative pain relief
- Menopausal flushing
Mechanism of Action
- Selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist
- Decreases sympathetic nervous system activity
- Reduces peripheral vascular resistance
- Stimulates parasympathetic activity
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to clonidine or any component of the formulation
- Severe coronary insufficiency
- Recent myocardial infarction
- Concomitant use with MAOIs (except for certain formulations)
Adverse Reactions
- Hypotension
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Sedation
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
Drug Interactions
- MAOIs: increased risk of severe hypotension and hypertensive crisis
- Beta blockers: increased risk of bradycardia and hypotension
- Digoxin: increased risk of bradycardia and hypotension
- Tricyclic antidepressants: increased risk of sedation and hypotension
- Opioids: increased risk of sedation and respiratory depression
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use