What is CLONIDINE
Clonidine belongs to centrally acting alpha-2 agonists class of drug.
It slows down heart rate, relaxes blood vessels and makes blood flow easier thereby decreasing blood pressure.
Clonidine can also treat ADHD by affecting the brain’s control of attention and impulsivity.
What is Clonidine used for?
- High blood pressure
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Pain management
- Vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause (alternative agent)
- Opioid withdrawal (off-label)
How Clonidine helps for my child?
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Sleep disorders and difficulty in getting sleep
What are the different forms of clonidine available in India?
- Tablets Orally – to treat high blood pressure
- Extended-release oral tablets – for hypertension and ADHD in children
- Transdermal patches- for hypertension
- Injection (IV/IM/epidural) – for hypertension and pain management
How does Clonidine work?
Clonidine works by activating receptors in the brain that reduce the release of certain chemicals. This decreases nerve signals, relaxes blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, and makes the heart work less. Clonidine can also help control opioid withdrawal symptoms and treat ADHD by influencing the brain’s ability to manage attention and impulses.
What should I inform doctor before taking this medicine?
Inform your doctor about all the drugs you are taking and any other health problems you have.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to this medication or any other medicines.
If you are taking any medications that has same drug in it.
What precautions do I need to take while taking clonidine?
- If you’re taking this medicine and have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor before using over-the-counter products that could raise your blood pressure, like cold medicines, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen, naproxen, or some herbal products.
- Stand up slowly after sitting or lying down and be cautious on stairs to reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting.
- Take care in hot weather or during physical activity, and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
- This medication may cause dry eyes. If you wear contact lenses and experience dryness or a change in how they feel, consult your doctor.
- Do not treat coughs, colds, or pain on your own while taking this medicine without asking your doctor, as some ingredients may raise your blood pressure.
When is the best time to take Clonidine?
Your doctor may ask you to take clonidine up to three times a day based on the treating condition.
Take this medication with or without food, and at the same time every day.
If you experience a stomach upset after taking clonidine on an empty stomach, it is better to take it with food.
Do not stop taking this medicine even if you start feeling well.
How should I consume Clonidine?
Swallow complete tablet; do not crush, chew, or break them.
For extended-release tablets, swallow them whole; do not chew, break, or crush.
For clonidine patch, if the skin under the patch gets irritated, remove it and apply a new one in a different spot. Change the patch site every week.
Who should avoid taking Clonidine?
- Do not give this medicine to a child without a doctor’s approval.
- Patients allergic to Clonidine or any other component of the formulation
- Inform your doctor if you have any heart or kidney disorders.
- Have circulation problems in your hands, feet, or lower legs, such as Raynaud’s disease or peripheral artery disease (PAD).
What happens if I stop taking clonidine suddenly?
Do not stop taking Clonidine abruptly, as it could cause blood pressure to rise dangerously may also cause withdrawal syndrome.
Continue using this medicine if you have high blood pressure, even if you feel fine, as high blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Consult your doctor before stopping clonidine.
Do I need to avoid alcohol when taking clonidine?
Yes. You need to stop taking alcohol before starting clonidine.
Drinking alcohol can increase the side effects of clonidine.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Clonidine oral tablets:
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and take your medicine at the usual time.
- Don’t take two doses together.
Extended-release tablets for ADHD:
- Skip the previously missed dose and continue with your normal dosing schedule.
Clonidine Patch
- Apply the missed patch as soon as you remember, after discarding the old one. If it’s close to the time for your next patch, simply apply the new one and resume your regular schedule.
What are the side effects of clonidine? (Reference: Lexicomp)
Every drug has their own side effects. But some may experience, and some do not have any side effects. Taking clonidine could result in certain side effects. Reach out to your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms are getting worsened and do not subside.- Dry mouth: mouth feels dry without saliva
- Constipation: Difficulty or infrequent passing of stools.
- Drowsiness: feeling very sleepy or tired
- Headache: pain around head or feeling pressure in our head
- Stomach upset: stomach feels uncomfortable, bloated, or causes pain, often with nausea or indigestion.
- Insomnia: trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, making you feel tired during the day.
- Agitation: feeling really upset, restless, or anxious, and you might have trouble staying calm or still.
- Dysphagia and dyspnea
- Hoarseness
- Fainting
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Allergic reactions like itching, hives, swelling of face lips and tongue
What are the signs that indicate you should go to the hospital immediately?
Some side effects, though rare, need immediate medical attention. These include:- Dysphagia: difficulty in swallowing
- Dyspnoea: difficulty in breathing
- Hoarseness: When your voice sounds scratchy, weak, or strained, making it difficult to speak clearly.
- Fainting: suddenly lose consciousness and briefly collapse, often due to feeling lightheaded or weak.
- Hives: raised, red, itchy bumps or welts on your skin
- Swelling of face, lips and tongue.
What medications should I avoid while taking clonidine?
This medication should not be taken with any of the following:
- Barbiturate medications that treat seizures or that causes sleep.
- Medications for depression, anxiety or psychotic problems.
- Any other medications for heart conditions or blood pressure.
Do not take any Over the counter/ herbal medications without informing to the doctor.
Is clonidine safe in pregnancy?
Clonidine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking clonidine, contact your doctor.
Clonidine can affect the ability to have children, making it harder to get pregnant while either partner is using this medicine.
Clonidine is seen in breast milk. If you’re breastfeeding, tell your doctor if your baby becomes very sleepy, tired, breathes fast, or has trouble feeding.
How should clonidine be stored?
- Store this medicine in the normal room temperature.
- Store this medication in its tightly sealed container.
- Keep it away from children
- Keep this medicine away from moisture.
- Throw away unused tablets after it expires.
- Dr. Likitha B S, Pharm.D, Clinical pharmacologist, Aster Hospitals, Bengaluru
- Dr Praveen Kumar, B.Pharm, Pharm D(PB), Head Clinical Pharmacologist, Aster Hospitals, Bengaluru
- Dr C P Ravi Kumar, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist, Aster CMI Hospital