Clonidine Hydrochloride

Clonidine Hydrochloride is a medicine used in the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). It lowers the blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels. Lowering the blood pressure helps to prevent future stroke and heart attack. Clonidine Hydrochloride is also used to prevent migraine and hot flushes in women during menopause. This medicine can be taken with or without food but it is better to take it at the same time every day. You should always take this medicine as advised by the doctor and should never stop it without consulting the doctor. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel ill, but if you stop taking this medicine, your condition could get worse.

Clonidine Hydrochloride is an alpha-2 agonist. It works by relaxing blood vessels which makes the heart more efficient at pumping blood around the body.

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Migraine prophylaxis
• Menopausal flushing
• Opioid and alcohol withdrawal syndrome
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Clonidine Hydrochloride stimulates alpha adrenoceptors in the brain stem. With immediate-release clonidine, blood pressure declines within 30 to 60 minutes after an oral dose, the maximum decrease occurring within 2 to 4 hours. Renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate remain essentially unchanged. Normal postural reflexes are intact; therefore, orthostatic symptoms are mild and infrequent.

Clonidine stimulates alpha-2 receptors in brain stem which results in reduced sympathetic outflow from the CNS and a decrease in peripheral resistance leading to reduced BP and pulse rate.

Adult Dose (Oral - Hypertension): Initial: 50-100 mcg three times daily, increased every 2nd or 3rd day; Maintenance: 300-1200 mcg/day; Max: 2400 mcg/day.

Adult Dose (Migraine prophylaxis/Menopausal flushing): 50 mcg twice daily, increased to 75 mcg twice daily if no remission after 2 weeks.

ADHD: IR: 5 mcg/kg/day; ER: 0.1 mg/day for 8 weeks.

Alcohol withdrawal: 0.3-0.6 mg every 6 hours.

Pediatric Dose (<12 years): Safety and efficacy not established.

Renal Dose: CrCl <10 mL/min: 50-75% of usual dose.

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Clonidine Hydrochloride may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

If you miss a dose of Clonidine Hydrochloride, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Common Side Effects (dose-related):

• Dizziness
• Sleepiness
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Sedation
• Ear pain
• Irritability
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea

• [UNSAFE] Clonidine Hydrochloride may cause blurring of your vision for a short time just after its use. Do not drive until your vision is clear.
• May cause dizziness or sleepiness; avoid driving or activities requiring concentration.
• Rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down (orthostatic hypotension).
• May cause dryness of eyes; caution while using contact lenses.
• Do not stop suddenly without consulting your doctor (withdrawal symptoms: nervousness, agitation, headache, tremor, rapid rise in blood pressure).
• Caution during pregnancy and lactation.

• Hypersensitivity
• Disorders of cardiac pacemaker activity and conduction
• Pregnancy and lactation

Hypotensive action may be potentiated by diuretics and vasodilators. Effects of clonidine antagonised by TCAs and centrally-acting alpha-blockers. May enhance toxicity due to digitalis, lithium. May antagonise oral hypoglycaemics. Hypnosedatives, antihistamines and alcohol may cause excessive drowsiness. Withdrawal of clonidine in patients receiving noncardioselective β-blockers may result in rebound BP. Acute severe hypotension following concomitant administration with chlorpromazine or haloperidol.

[UNSAFE] It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Clonidine Hydrochloride.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] Clonidine Hydrochloride may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category C.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] Clonidine Hydrochloride is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Clonidine is excreted in human milk.

Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients under 12 years have not been established.

Elderly patients may be benefited from a lower initial dose.

[CAUTION] Use with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment may be needed. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is advisable. CrCl <10: 50-75% of usual dose.

[CAUTION] Use with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment may be needed.

Overdose symptoms: Hypotension, Bradycardia, Respiratory Depression, Hypothermia, Sedation, Abnormal Reflexes, Weakness & Miosis.

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Clonidine Hydrochloride