Clonidine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 6, 2024.

For healthcare professionals

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

General adverse events

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]

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]

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]

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]

Further information

Clonidine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer