Clonidine is an antihypertensive medication used to treat high blood pressure in adults. It can be prescribed alone or together with other blood pressure medications, such as diuretics.
This medication is available in pharmacies in tablet form containing 0.1 mg, 0.2 mg, or 0.3 mg of clonidine hydrochloride, sold under the brand name Catapres. It should always be used under medical supervision and as prescribed by a primary care provider or cardiologist.
Clonidine is also available as an injectable solution for epidural use, typically administered in hospitals by a nurse under the supervision of a doctor.
What is clonidine used for?
Clonidine is indicated to:
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Treat high blood pressure in adults, used alone or with other antihypertensive medications;
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Induce sedation as part of pre-anesthetic treatment;
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Reduce intraocular pressure during eye surgery;
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Help relieve postoperative pain, reducing the need for opioid medications.
These uses may vary depending on the form of clonidine, which can be tablets for hypertension or injectable formulations for pain management or sedation.
Dosage and administration
The way clonidine is used depends on its form, which can include:
1. Clonidine 0.1 mg, 0.2 mg, and 0.3 mg tablets
Clonidine tablets should be taken by mouth with a full glass of water, before or after meals.
The recommended dose for adults varies based on the severity of high blood pressure:
Treatment should always start with a low dose, which can be gradually adjusted by the prescribing provider according to individual needs.
2. Injectable clonidine
Injectable clonidine (Duraclon) contains 100 mcg/mL and is indicated for continuous epidural infusion in hospital settings to relieve severe pain, especially after surgery. It must be administered by a healthcare professional under medical supervision.
For postoperative pain relief, the recommended starting dose is 30 mcg per hour through continuous epidural infusion. The dose can be adjusted by a doctor depending on the individual’s condition and response to the medication.
Side effects
The most common side effects of clonidine include dizziness, drowsiness, low blood pressure when standing up, dry mouth, depression, sleep disturbances, headache, constipation, nausea, vomiting, pain in the salivary glands, and fatigue.
In men, clonidine can sometimes cause difficulty achieving an erection.
Less common side effects include hallucinations; nightmares; hot, cold, or tingling sensations; slow heart rate; pain and purple discoloration in the fingers; itching, redness, or peeling of the skin; hives; and general malaise.
If side effects occur, it’s important to talk to your doctor right away so they can review your treatment plan and adjust the dose if necessary.
Contraindications to use
Clonidine should not be used by people who are allergic to any component of the medication, have a slower-than-normal heart rate (bradycardia), or are intolerant to galactose.
It should also not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless approved by a doctor or other healthcare professional.