Clonidine
Clonidine is a centrally acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by reducing signals from the brain that increase heart rate and narrow blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure. In addition to hypertension, it is also prescribed for ADHD, menopausal hot flashes, opioid withdrawal symptoms, and certain pain conditions.
Clonidine is a blood pressure medication that works in the brain to reduce nerve signals that tighten blood vessels, and is also used for ADHD and withdrawal symptoms.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C02AC01
- RxNorm
- 2599
- Generic
- Clonidine
- Class
- atc-c02
- Brands
- Kapvay, Nexiclon, Catapres, Duraclon, Onyda, Javadin
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- injection, tablet, suspension, solution, capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 0.1-0.3 mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.05-0.1 mg 2-3 times daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 8-12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.05-0.1 mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if clearly needed monitor for neonatal hypotension and sedation
fetal monitoring and assessment for withdrawal symptoms in newborn
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse with caution
clonidine is excreted in breast milk monitor infant for sedation and hypotension
monitor infant for excessive drowsiness poor feeding and vital signs
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart with lower dose
initiate at low dose and titrate slowly due to increased sensitivity and decreased renal clearance
monitor blood pressure heart rate and renal function closely
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 12weight-based dosing
used for ADHD and hypertension but requires careful monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate
regular monitoring of blood pressure heart rate growth and development
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate renal impairmentreduce dose by 50%
dose reduction recommended due to decreased renal excretion monitor blood pressure closely
frequent monitoring of blood pressure and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate hepatic impairmentuse with caution
metabolized in liver use cautiously in hepatic impairment monitor for adverse effects
monitor blood pressure and liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
alcohol usersavoid concomitant use
alcohol potentiates CNS depressant effects avoid alcohol consumption during treatment
monitor for excessive sedation hypotension and respiratory depression
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval for Catapres
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic mechanism
Clonidine is FDA-approved for treating hypertension (often when other medications are insufficient) and is also used off-label for ADHD, menopausal hot flashes, opioid/alcohol withdrawal, anxiety, insomnia, and neuropathic pain. Transdermal patches are particularly useful for patients with adherence challenges.
As a selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist, clonidine stimulates these receptors in the brain's hypothalamus to reduce sympathetic nervous system outflow. This decreases norepinephrine release, leading to vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), reduced heart rate, and lowered blood pressure.
Clonidine should never be stopped abruptly, as this can cause rebound hypertension and anxiety. Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, and dizziness. It may enhance the effects of alcohol and other sedatives. Patients should rise slowly from sitting or lying positions to minimize orthostatic hypotension. Inform your doctor about all medications before starting clonidine due to potential interactions.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy