Interactions between clonidine and Acetohexamide (acetoHEXAMIDE)
clonidine and acetoHEXAMIDE (Moderate Drug-Drug)
MONITOR: Clonidine may diminish the physiological response to hypoglycemia induced by insulin and/or oral hypoglycemic agents (i.e., insulin secretagogues such as sulfonylureas and meglitinides). Clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, which are responsible for recovery of normal blood glucose levels and symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, sweating, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. In normal and hypertensive individuals, response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia has been shown to decrease significantly during administration of clonidine 0.45 to 0.9 mg daily. However, clonidine has also been reported to elevate plasma blood glucose and cause hyperglycemia.
MANAGEMENT: Patients should be instructed about the need for regular monitoring of blood glucose levels and be aware that certain symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremors, sweating, and tachycardia may be reduced or absent during treatment with clonidine.
