Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: clonidine
BRAND NAME: Catapres, Catapres-TTS
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Clonidine is an oral and topical (applied to the
skin) drug for treating high blood pressure (hypertension). Clonidine acts by
stimulating receptors on nerves in the brain that reduces the transmission of
messages from nerves in the brain to nerves in other areas of the body. As a
result, clonidine slows heart rate and reduces blood pressure. The FDA approved
clonidine in September 1974.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes (tablets), No (patches).
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg. Transdermal patches: 0.1, 0.2,
and 0.3 mg delivered over 24 hours.
STORAGE: Tablets and patches should be kept at room temperature, 15-30 C (59-86 F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Clonidine is approved for the treatment of high blood
pressure. Non-FDA approved (off-label) uses include treatment of symptoms of
narcotic withdrawal, nicotine withdrawal,
diabetes-associated diarrhea,
diabetic
neuropathy (nerve damage), hot flashes associated with menopause, and as an
adjunct to manage severe cancer-related pain.
DOSING: The usual oral adult dose is 0.1–0.3 mg twice daily. The maximum oral
dose is 2.4 mg daily. Patches should be applied to an area of hairless skin on
the upper arm or torso, once every 7 days. When applying a new patch, a
different area of skin should be used.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Clonidine can increase the sedating effects of other
medications that cause sedation. Such drugs include narcotic pain relievers,
barbiturates, sedatives such as alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin) as
well as ethanol.
Tricyclic antidepressants, for example, amitriptyline (Elavil,
Endep), imipramine
(Tofranil), desipramine (Norpramin), and clomipramine (Anafranil), can block the
blood pressure lowering effects of clonidine. This may cause blood pressure to
rise.
Since clonidine can reduce heart rate, it should be used cautiously in
persons who are receiving other medications that lower heart rate such as
beta-blockers, for example, atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor),
propranolol (Inderal)], digoxin (Lanoxin), diltiazem (Cardizem) or verapamil
(Calan; Covera HS). Abnormal heart rhythms can occur with the combination of
clonidine and verapamil.
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral) concentrations in the
blood can increase when clonidine is begun. This interaction could result in
kidney damage from the increased levels of cyclosporine.
Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs), for example, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn,
Aleve), and nabumetone (Relafen) can reduce the antihypertensive effects of
clonidine.
Cocaine, pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, and phenylpropanolamine also
can reverse the blood pressure lowering effects of clonidine.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Diabetes - Learn about type 1 and 2 diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) symptoms including increased urination, thirst, weight loss, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin infections, and blurred vision. Causes and diagnosis information is provided in the information.
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
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