Comparing Clonidine vs Methadone

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
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Clonidine

Methadone

Clonidine can be used to lower blood pressure and treat ADHD; however, it causes sedation and tolerance can develop to its blood pressure lowering effects. Clonidine should not be stopped suddenly... View more

Methadone is a potent opioid analgesic that may be used to relieve severe pain unresponsive to other strong pain relievers; however, it is more commonly used to treat opioid addiction. There is a... View more

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

View all 657 reviews

View all 551 reviews

Drug Class

Antiadrenergic agents, centrally acting

Narcotic analgesics

Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects include: drowsiness, fatigue, hypotension, lethargy, sedated state, headache, and upper abdominal pain.

See the full clonidine side effects document.

See the full methadone side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance

Quantity	8 tablet
Dosage	0.1 mg
Per Unit^*	$1.29
Cost^*	$10.31

View all clonidine prices

Quantity	100 each
Dosage	10 mg
Per Unit^*	$0.21
Cost^*	$21.02

View all methadone prices

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Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Dosage Form(s) Available

Injectable solution
Oral tablet
Oral tablet, extended release
Transdermal film, extended release

Compounding powder
Injectable solution
Oral concentrate
Oral solution
Oral tablet
Oral tablet, dispersible

Brand Names

Catapres, Catapres-TTS, Clonidine ER, Duraclon, Kapvay Methadone Diskets, Methadose, Methadose Sugar-Free

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

15 hours

30 hours

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

High potential for abuse

Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

Pregnancy Category

Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

Drug Interactions

A total of 352 drugs are known to interact with clonidine:

37 major drug interactions (104 brand and generic names)
308 moderate drug interactions (1441 brand and generic names)
7 minor drug interactions (38 brand and generic names)

A total of 665 drugs are known to interact with methadone:

309 major drug interactions (1061 brand and generic names)
346 moderate drug interactions (1523 brand and generic names)
10 minor drug interactions (28 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions

CloNIDine and alcohol may have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure. You may... View more

Grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels and effects of methadone. If you regularly consume... View more
Do not use alcohol or medications that contain alcohol while you are receiving treatment with... View more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

September 03, 1974

August 13, 1947

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

S6 - Stimulants

S7 - Narcotics

More Information

Consumer Resources

Professional Resources

Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer