Clonidine
Clonidine reduces sympathetic nerve signalling and is used for selected blood-pressure or neurological indications. Abrupt withdrawal can cause dangerous rebound hypertension. Listed uses include menopausal flushing and migraine prophylaxis.
Key points
- Do not stop clonidine suddenly or allow treatment to run out without a prescriber plan.
- Drowsiness, dizziness, slow pulse and low blood pressure can impair driving and increase falls.
- Tablets, patches and other formulations have different instructions and are not directly interchangeable.
Listings are for comparison only; suitability and supply depend on indication, formulation, prescription and clinician and pharmacy checks.
How it works
Clonidine stimulates central alpha-2 receptors, reducing sympathetic output. This can lower blood pressure and pulse and cause sedation or dry mouth.
Important safety checks
Review slow heart rate, fainting, kidney disease, depression, pregnancy and other sedatives or blood-pressure medicines. Patch products require specific skin, heat and disposal precautions.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent help for fainting, chest pain, severe headache with very high blood pressure after interruption, marked confusion, an unusually slow heartbeat, facial swelling or breathing difficulty.