Clonidine Patient Tips

How it works

Clonidine acts on specific receptors in the brain to reduce blood pressure. Its mode of action in ADHD is not known.

Upsides

• Clonidine is used in the treatment of high blood pressure after other treatments have failed.
• Slow-release forms are also used in the treatment of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
• May also be used off-label for other conditions, such as Tourette's syndrome (off-label means not an FDA-approved use but may still have a place in therapy).

Downsides

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:

• Dry mouth, drowsiness, headache, fatigue, dizziness on standing and constipation.
• Other less common effects include agitation, anxiety, hallucinations, skin reactions, slow heart rate and increased sensitivity to alcohol.
• May cause a withdrawal reaction with abrupt discontinuation (symptoms include anxiety, agitation, tremor and headache accompanied by a rapid rise in blood pressure); taper off slowly on a doctors advice.
• Transdermal clonidine may be associated with an initially localized skin rash at the site of application; continued use may see a more generalized rash develop - seek immediate medical advice.

Notes: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. For a complete list of all side effects, click here.

Bottom Line

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

Tips

• Avoid driving or operating machinery until the effects of clonidine on your functioning are known.
• Formulations of clonidine are not interchangeable: speak to your pharmacist.
• Do not crush or chew slow-release forms of clonidine; swallow whole.
• Food has no effect on the absorption of clonidine.
• Do not stop taking without your doctors advice; slow withdrawal may be necessary.
• Regular monitoring of blood pressure and kidney function may be needed.
• Available as a transdermal patch; incidence of side effects may be lower with this patch compared with oral forms of the drug but monitor for the appearance of a rash.
• Dry eyes caused by clonidine may affect contact lens wear; try lubricant eye drops or seek medical advice.
• Taking the majority of the designated dose at night may help with daytime sedation and dry mouth.
• If you miss a dose, take the next dose as scheduled; do not take more than the prescribed amount in a daily period.

Response and Effectiveness

Peak effect seen within one to three hours. Blood pressure lowering effect happens quickly, within 30 to 60 minutes after an oral dose, and the maximal effect occurs within two to four hours.
• May be used in addition to other medications for ADHD; effects may take several days to develop.