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Clonidine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 26, 2024.

Applies to clonidine: oral tablet, oral tablet extended release. Other dosage forms:

Serious side effects of Clonidine

Along with its needed effects, clonidine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking clonidine:

Less common

Rare

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking clonidine:

Symptoms of overdose

Other side effects of Clonidine

Some side effects of clonidine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Less common

Rare

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to clonidine: compounding powder, injectable solution, oral suspension extended release, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release, transdermal film extended release.

Cardiovascular

Very common (10% or more): Hypotension (45%), orthostatic hypotension (32%)

Common (1% to 10%): Chest pain, tachycardia

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Sinus bradycardia, Raynaud's phenomenon, palpitations

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Atrioventricular block, palpitations, bradycardia, syncope, congestive heart failure, electrocardiographic abnormalities (i.e., sinus node arrest, high degree AV block), cerebrovascular accident

Frequency not reported: Bradyarrhythmia, hypertension, rebound hypertension[Ref]

Dermatologic

Very common (10% or more): Contact dermatitis with the patch formulation (19%)

Common (1% to 10%): Sweating

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pruritus, rash (localized or generalized), urticaria, erythema

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Alopecia, excoriation, burning

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Papules, throbbing, blanching, generalized macular rash, facial/tongue angioedema

Frequency not reported: Hives, localized hypo or hyper pigmentation[Ref]

Endocrine

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Gynecomastia[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Dry mouth (40%), upper abdominal pain (15%), nausea (13%), vomiting (10%)

Common (1% to 10%): Constipation, parotid gland pain

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Colonic pseudo-obstruction

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Parotitis[Ref]

Genitourinary

Common (1% to 10%): Erectile dysfunction

Frequency not reported: Micturition difficulty, loss of libido, decreased sexual activity, nocturia, urinary retention[Ref]

General

Most adverse effects are mild and diminish with continued therapy. The most frequent (which appear to be dose-related) are dry mouth (40%), drowsiness (33%), dizziness (16%), constipation (10%), and sedation (10%).[Ref]

Hematologic

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Peripheral blood flow disturbance, thrombocytopenia[Ref]

Hepatic

Frequency not reported: Mild transient abnormalities of liver function tests, hepatitis[Ref]

Metabolic

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Blood glucose increased, serum creatine phosphokinase increased

Frequency not reported: Weight gain, anorexia[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Frequency not reported: Muscle pain, joint pain, leg cramps[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Drowsiness (33%), dizziness (16%), somnolence (13%), sedation (10%)

Common (1% to 10%): Headache

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Paresthesia

Frequency not reported: Headache, localized numbness[Ref]

Ocular

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Lacrimation decreased (dry eyes)

Frequency not reported: Accommodation disorder, ocular burning, vision blurred[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue, tinnitus

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Malaise

Frequency not reported: Fever, pallor, weakness, positive Coombs' test, increased sensitivity to alcohol[Ref]

Psychiatric

Very common (10% or more): Confusion (13%)

Common (1% to 10%): Depression, tearfulness, sleep disorder, hallucinations (both visual and auditory), nervousness, agitation

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%):

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Delusional perception, nightmare

Frequency not reported: Libido decreased, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, behavior changes[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Hypoventilation

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Nasal dryness[Ref]

References

1. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.

3. Product Information. CloNIDine Hydrochloride (clonidine). Unichem Pharmaceuticals Inc. 2016.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.