What is clonidine injection used for. How is clonidine injection administered. What are the potential side effects of clonidine injection. Who should not use clonidine injection. How does clonidine injection interact with other medications.

Understanding Clonidine Injection: Purpose and Administration

Clonidine injection is a medication primarily used in combination with opioids to manage severe pain, particularly in cancer patients where opioid therapy alone proves insufficient. This centrally acting antiadrenergic agent is administered via a continuous infusion pump connected to a catheter placed in the space surrounding the spinal cord.

How exactly is clonidine injection given? A healthcare provider typically instructs patients on the proper use of the infusion pump for self-administration. The medication is administered around the clock, with dosage adjustments made by a physician as needed. It’s crucial to follow the prescription label and medication guides meticulously.

Key Points About Clonidine Administration:

• Continuous administration through an infusion pump
• Catheter placement near the spinal cord
• Healthcare provider guidance on pump usage
• Strict adherence to prescribed dosage and instructions

Contraindications and Precautions for Clonidine Use

While clonidine injection can be effective for pain management, it’s not suitable for everyone. Certain conditions and medications can make its use dangerous or ineffective.

Who should avoid using clonidine injection? Individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking blood thinners like warfarin should not use this medication. Additionally, people allergic to clonidine must abstain from its use.

Medical Conditions Requiring Caution:

1. Heart problems
2. Low blood pressure
3. Kidney disease
4. History of depression
5. History of stroke

Is clonidine safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding? The effects of clonidine on unborn babies are not fully understood. Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant should inform their doctor. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using clonidine injection.

Potential Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

Like all medications, clonidine injection can cause side effects. While some are common and relatively mild, others can be serious and require immediate medical attention.

What are the most common side effects of clonidine injection? Frequently reported side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, depressed mood, nausea, dry mouth, and confusion. These symptoms are generally manageable but should be reported to a healthcare provider if they persist or worsen.

Serious Side Effects Requiring Immediate Medical Attention:

• Severe headache with blurred vision or neck pounding
• Slow heartbeats
• Shallow breathing
• Signs of infection around the infusion catheter
• Fever
• Headache accompanied by neck stiffness and light sensitivity

Can clonidine injection cause allergic reactions? Yes, although rare, allergic reactions can occur. Symptoms may include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Seek emergency medical help if these symptoms occur.

Drug Interactions and Precautions

Clonidine can interact with various medications, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Understanding these interactions is crucial for safe use.

Which drugs can interact with clonidine injection? Medications that can interact include other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow breathing, such as opioids, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, and anxiety or seizure medications. Heart and blood pressure medications may also interact with clonidine.

Precautions When Using Clonidine:

1. Avoid alcohol consumption
2. Exercise caution when driving or operating machinery
3. Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions to prevent dizziness
4. Inform all healthcare providers about clonidine use
5. Do not stop using clonidine abruptly without medical guidance

Proper Storage and Disposal of Clonidine Injection

Correct storage and disposal of clonidine injection are essential for maintaining its effectiveness and ensuring safety.

How should clonidine injection be stored? Store the medication at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not use the medicine if it has changed color or contains particles.

Guidelines for Proper Disposal:

• Dispose of unused medication as instructed by healthcare providers
• Use puncture-proof “sharps” containers for needles and syringes
• Follow local regulations for medical waste disposal
• Keep all medication out of reach of children and pets

Monitoring and Managing Clonidine Treatment

Close monitoring is crucial when using clonidine injection, especially at the beginning of treatment. Healthcare providers will closely watch various vital signs to ensure safe and effective use.

What aspects of health are monitored during clonidine treatment? Breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and kidney function are among the key parameters monitored. Regular check-ups and communication with healthcare providers are essential throughout the treatment period.

Key Aspects of Clonidine Management:

1. Regular vital sign monitoring
2. Dose adjustments as needed
3. Reporting any side effects or concerns promptly
4. Following up with healthcare providers as scheduled
5. Maintaining accurate records of medication use and symptoms

Discontinuing Clonidine Injection: Important Considerations

Stopping clonidine injection abruptly can lead to unpleasant and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms. It’s crucial to follow medical guidance when discontinuing this medication.

Why is it important to taper off clonidine gradually? Sudden cessation can cause withdrawal symptoms such as nervousness, agitation, tremors, and increased blood pressure. These symptoms can be severe and may require medical intervention.

Steps for Safely Discontinuing Clonidine:

• Consult with a healthcare provider before stopping
• Follow a prescribed tapering schedule
• Monitor for withdrawal symptoms
• Report any concerning symptoms immediately
• Have a plan for managing pain if clonidine was used for pain control

Clonidine injection is a powerful medication that requires careful management and monitoring. By understanding its uses, potential side effects, and proper administration, patients can maximize its benefits while minimizing risks. Always consult with healthcare providers for personalized advice and guidance throughout the treatment process.

The information provided about clonidine injection serves as a general guide. Individual experiences may vary, and medical decisions should always be made in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals. Staying informed and maintaining open communication with your medical team are key to ensuring safe and effective use of clonidine injection.

Clonidine injection Uses, Side Effects & Warnings

Generic name: clonidine (injection) [ KLON-i-deen ]
Brand name: Duraclon
Dosage form: injectable solution (100 mcg/mL; 500 mcg/mL)
Drug class: Antiadrenergic agents, centrally acting

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 10, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is clonidine?

Clonidine injection is used in combination with opioid medication to treat severe pain caused by cancer, when opioid pain medicine alone is not effective in relieving pain.

Clonidine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not use clonidine if you have bleeding problems, or if you take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin).

Before taking this medicine

You should not use clonidine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breast-feed while using clonidine injection.

How is clonidine given?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Clonidine injection is given around the clock (continuous) using an infusion pump attached to a catheter placed into the space around your spinal cord. A healthcare provider can teach you how to properly use the infusion pump by yourself.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, kidney function, and other vital signs will be watched closely when you first start using clonidine.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don’t understand all instructions.

Do not use the medicine if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Do not stop using clonidine without first asking your doctor. If you stop using this medicine suddenly, you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms (nervousness, agitation, tremors, or increased blood pressure). Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.

Tell your doctor right away if you stop using clonidine injection for any reason.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not keep leftover clonidine that is no longer needed. Throw the vial away, even if there is still medicine left inside.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof “sharps” container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Because this medicine is given around the clock, you are not likely to miss a dose.

Tell your doctor if your infusion pump stops working, or if your medicine is otherwise stopped for any reason.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include changes in blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, feeling light-headed), slow heartbeats, shallow breathing, extreme drowsiness, limp muscles, seizure, or coma.

What should I avoid while using clonidine?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how clonidine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.

Clonidine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Clonidine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• slow heartbeats;

• weak or shallow breathing;

• signs of infection around the infusion catheter, such as warmth, redness, or swelling;

• fever; or

• headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light.

Common side effects of clonidine may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness;

• depressed mood;

• nausea, dry mouth; or

• confusion.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect clonidine?

Using clonidine with other drugs that make you drowsy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially heart or blood pressure medication.

Other drugs may affect clonidine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

More about clonidine

• Check interactions
• Compare alternatives
• Pricing & coupons
• Reviews (736)
• Drug images
• Side effects
• Dosage information
• Patient tips
• During pregnancy
• Support group
• Drug class: antiadrenergic agents, centrally acting
• Breastfeeding

Patient resources

• Drug Information
• Clonidine transdermal
• Clonidine (Epidural) (Advanced Reading)
• Clonidine (Oral) (Advanced Reading)
• Clonidine (Transdermal) (Advanced Reading)

Other brands

Catapres, Kapvay, Catapres-TTS, Duraclon, Nexiclon XR

Professional resources

• Prescribing Information

Related treatment guides

• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Atrial Fibrillation
• Alcohol Withdrawal

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.01.

Clonidine side effects and how to avoid them

Common clonidine side effects | Serious side effects | Weight changes | Hair loss | Sexual dysfunction | Side effects timeline | Contraindications | Warnings | Interactions | How to avoid side effects  | How to treat side effects

Clonidine is a generic prescription drug taken daily as a generic tablet or weekly as a brand-name skin patch (Catapres TTS) to reduce high blood pressure (hypertension). It can also be administered as a spinal injection to help relieve severe pain due to cancer. Finally, clonidine extended-release tablets (also sold as the brand-name Kapvay) are given to children and adolescents to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Clonidine is an alpha agonist; it affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord, reducing their effect on involuntary activities like tightening blood vessels and causing the heart to beat. As a result, blood vessels widen and the heart slows down, reducing blood pressure. This same mechanism helps shut down pain signals in the spinal cord. However, no one is certain how clonidine helps with ADHD symptoms. No matter what indication clonidine is treating, most people taking it will have one or more unwanted side effects.

Common side effects of clonidine

The most common side effects of clonidine are low blood pressure, dry mouth, and anxiety. In order of incidence, the most common side effects of clonidine are:

• Dry mouth
• Anxiety
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Itching
• Headache
• Infection
• Fatigue
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Nightmares
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Loss of appetite
• Excessive sweating
• Darkening of the skin
• Urinary incontinence
• Shaking
• Stuffy nose
• Tiredness
• Decrease in sexual interest
• Sore throat
• Mood changes

Low blood pressure is the most common side effect of clonidine spinal injections. The others include:

• Orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing)
• Slowed heart rate
• Rebound high blood pressure
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Sleepiness
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Chest pain
• Hallucinations
• Ringing in the ears

Serious side effects of clonidine

The most serious side effects of clonidine include:

• Low blood pressure
• Fainting
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• Heart block
• Depression
• Serious gastrointestinal problems such as GI block or ileus (spinal injections only)
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Rebound high blood pressure
• Severe allergic reactions

Weight changes

Weight gain is a rare side effect of clonidine, occurring in less than one percent of people taking the drug. Clonidine also does not increase appetite, though animal trials show it may make rats eat more. People taking clonidine, however, have not reported increased eating, so it’s safe to say clonidine has little to no effect on appetite or weight. 

Hair loss

Hair loss is a very rare side effect of clonidine. Its estimated incidence is 1 in 500 patients. At that low of a rate, it’s uncertain if the drug is responsible. If clonidine does increase hair thinning, it will take a few months to be noticed. Talk to the prescribing healthcare provider if hair seems to be thinning. 

Sexual dysfunction

Clonidine interferes with sexual function, particularly in men. Libido decrease and erectile dysfunction are the most common problems, each affecting about 3% of patients taking clonidine. The rate of impotence, however, may be as high as 25%. While erectile dysfunction is generally a problem with blood pressure medications, clonidine and other drugs that widen blood vessels may be worse than others. Because sexual problems are a prominent reason men stop taking blood pressure drugs, it’s important to keep taking the medicine and tell the prescribing healthcare provider about the issue. Switching to other antihypertensive treatments could help fix the problem.

How soon do clonidine side effects start?

Some clonidine side effects can occur rapidly after the first dose, such as low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, itching, or allergic reactions. Most side effects, however, happen after one or more doses have been taken, including dry mouth, headache, drowsiness, and some serious side effects such as heart block. Other side effects can be delayed and take a few weeks or months of treatment before becoming an issue. These include anxiety, irritability, loss of appetite, and severe gastrointestinal problems. 

How long do clonidine side effects last?

Clonidine side effects, though commonly experienced, typically resolve when the drug is stopped. How long it will take for the side effects to fade will vary widely. For some people, it may take a day, while it may be a week or more for others. That’s how much variability there is in people’s ability to eliminate the drug. Side effects can last longer in those that have been taking clonidine for a longer duration of time. 

What are the long-term side effects of clonidine?

As a blood pressure or ADHD medication, clonidine is intended for long-term use. There are no side effects due to long-term use other than possible hair loss or weight gain, both of which are rare and may not be due to the drug. Many side effects will improve as the body adapts to the drug. Most will fade when the drug is stopped. 

Clonidine contraindications

Clonidine is contraindicated in anyone with known allergies to the drug. Clonidine injections are also prohibited in people with an active infection at the injection site or those with bleeding disorders or taking anticoagulants.

Pregnancy 

Though it’s not prohibited, women who are pregnant may want to avoid taking clonidine. Drug levels are high in the placenta and four times higher in amniotic fluid than in the woman’s blood. A healthcare professional may advise other blood pressure treatments.

Breastfeeding

Women who are breastfeeding are not prohibited from taking clonidine. However, no studies show that it’s safe for the baby. Clonidine is present in breast milk and theoretically could affect the child. Talk to the prescriber about the pros, cons, and alternatives to clonidine when nursing.

Children

Only clonidine extended-release tablets have been FDA approved for children, but only for ADHD. Transdermal patches are sometimes prescribed off-label to children, but this use is not proven to be safe or effective. The FDA has advised that children taking clonidine should be monitored for slow heart rate or low blood pressure.

Seniors

Because of declining kidney function, adults older than 65 years of age may not eliminate clonidine as efficiently as young adults. As a result, clonidine may build up to higher concentrations in the blood, raising the risk for side effects. In seniors, healthcare professionals will usually start with a lower dose and monitor for side effects during treatment. 

Clonidine warnings

As a drug that affects the central nervous system, clonidine carries a few risks. These risks may be more pronounced for some people.

Cautions

Some medical conditions could be worsened by clonidine. Others may make patients more vulnerable to side effects. These include: 

• Kidney dysfunction: Declining kidney function slows the body’s elimination of clonidine and raises the risk of side effects.
• Cardiovascular problems: Some heart or cerebrovascular problems can be worsened when clonidine is taken, including heart attack, coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, heart conduction problems, and heart block. People with low blood pressure, uncontrolled blood pressure, orthostatic hypotension, and problems with fainting will also require close monitoring when given clonidine.
• Raynaud’s syndrome: Clonidine can worsen Raynaud’s syndrome.
• Depression: Clonidine can worsen depression. 
• Surgery: Because of its effects on the heart and blood pressure, clonidine should not be taken several hours before and after surgery.

Withdrawal

Although clonidine does not create a physical dependence, the abrupt discontinuation of the drug can precipitate withdrawal. It could be severe and cause strokes or even death. However, the most perilous withdrawal risk is rebound high blood pressure. Other symptoms of clonidine withdrawal include agitation, nervousness, headache, and tremor. Caregivers of children taking clonidine are advised to be especially wary. Children commonly have digestive system problems that can make them vomit up their dose, making them more likely to experience clonidine withdrawal.

Abuse

Clonidine is not considered to have a risk of drug abuse.

Overdose

Get emergency medical care or call a poison control center if too much clonidine is taken. The drug slows down the nervous system and, in high enough doses, produces serious problems such as low blood pressure, heart rate abnormalities, breathing problems, seizures, and coma. Children are particularly vulnerable to overdoses. 

Symptoms of an overdose occur rapidly, usually in a half hour to one hour after ingesting clonidine. They include:

• Low blood pressure
• Slowed heart rate
• Slow and shallow breathing
• Sleepiness
• Fall in body temperature
• Weakness
• Slow reflexes

The maximum daily dose of clonidine is 2.4 grams per day for adults and 0.4 grams per day for children and adolescents. 

Clonidine interactions

Clonidine has several drug interactions. To understand them, remember that clonidine is a depressant. It slows down the nervous system, lowers blood pressure, slows the heart, and affects the conductivity of the nerves that power the heart. This means that clonidine must be used cautiously with other CNS depressants, blood pressure drugs, and drugs that slow the heart or alter its conductivity.

CNS depressants will worsen the depressant effects of clonidine. Besides sedation, depressants can also slow down the heart and breathing. Here’s a short list of CNS depressants that should be used in caution with clonidine:

• Alcohol
• Marijuana or cannabidiols
• Opioids
• Barbiturates
• Sedatives and sleeping aids
• Benzodiazepines
• Anxiety medications
• Gabapentinoids
• Antihistamines
• SSRIs
• SNRIs
• MAO inhibitors
• Antipsychotics

Drugs that lower blood pressure will add to the blood pressure lowering effects of clonidine. There are many different types, but the most serious drug interactions are caused by blood pressure drugs that also slow down the heart, such as beta blockers and calcium channel blockers. 

Finally, drugs that affect heart rhythm and conductivity can potentially cause serious heart problems when taken with clonidine. These include:

• Digitalis medicines
• Heart rate and heart rhythm medications (antiarrhythmics)
• Anticonvulsants

How to avoid clonidine side effects

Most people will experience adverse effects when taking clonidine. Thankfully, they tend to be mild. Some rules-of-thumb can help minimize any problems.

1. Make sure the prescriber has a complete medical history

The most efficient way to prevent clonidine side effects is to tell the prescribing healthcare provider about every current and past health condition as well as all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and dietary supplements being taken, especially:

• Heart problems
• Kidney disease
• Depression
• Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Any alcohol use
• Any use of sedatives, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, or other CNS depressants
• Any use of heart medications
• Blood pressure medications
• Any upcoming surgeries
• Pregnancy or any plans to become pregnant
• Breastfeeding or any plans to breastfeed

2.

Take clonidine as directed

Follow the instructions given by the prescriber or written on the prescription label. Do not take extra medicine.

3. Do not stop taking clonidine

Suddenly stopping clonidine could cause withdrawal side effects that range from unpleasant to life-threatening. If the drug is causing problems or side effects are intolerable, talk to the prescriber about quitting. Quitting may require taking a steadily decreasing dose over a span of a few days.

4. Get help if vomiting 

If vomiting is a problem, there’s a chance that the drug is being thrown up, too. That’s another cause of clonidine withdrawal. Call the prescriber if vomiting is interfering with taking the drug. This is especially important if the patient is a child. 

5. Stop drinking alcohol

Both alcohol and clonidine are depressants, so they will increase each other’s effects on drowsiness, dizziness, low blood pressure, fainting, and slowed breathing. 

6. Avoid medicines and supplements that cause drowsiness

If combining alcohol with clonidine is a problem, so are prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements that are also depressants. These include drugs like sleeping pills and strong pain medications, but they also include popular over-the-counter drugs and supplements like antihistamines, melatonin, and “cold and flu” medications. 

How to treat side effects of clonidine

There will come a time when someone taking clonidine will have to manage side effects. Here’s how to do it.

Drowsiness and dizziness

If tired or dizzy, sit down. Stay seated until the attack passes. Don’t do risky things when overly tired or feeling dizzy. Driving, playing hazardous sports, operating machinery, or even chopping vegetables creates a risk for injury. Make sure to stand slowly as well. 

Dry mouth

Chew sugarless gum, eat sugarless candy, take frequent sips of water, or use a humidifier. If the problem gets too bad, the prescribing healthcare provider may have treatment options such as artificial saliva.

Vomiting

Immediately talk to a healthcare professional if vomiting occurs within half an hour of taking clonidine. Do not take a replacement dose until told to do so.

Erection problems

Get medical advice from the prescriber if getting and maintaining erections is a problem. There may be better alternatives for controlling blood pressure.

Slow or irregular heartbeats

If the heart is beating slowly or seems off, contact a healthcare professional.

Sources

• An analysis of the effects of systemically administered clonidine on the food and water intake of rats, British Journal of Pharmacology
• Catapres clonidine patch prescribing information, U.S. National Library of Medicine
• Clonidine, Epocrates
• Clonidine hydrochloride drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference
• Clonidine hydrochloride injection prescribing information, U.S. National Library of Medicine
• Clonidine hydrochloride tablet prescribing information, U.S. National Library of Medicine
• Sexual dysfunction in hypertensive men: A critical review of the literature, Hypertension
• Sexual dysfunction with antihypertensive and antipsychotic agents, Clinical Pharmacy

Medications not compatible with food – News

Antibiotics (biomycin, tetracycline, etc. ) are among the most “conflicted” drugs. Milk and dairy products should be excluded from the menu, as they almost completely neutralize the effect of antibiotics. It is also necessary to give up alcohol. Eat more fruits, vegetables and greens. Temporarily give up acidic foods – fruits, sodas, juices, dry wine and any dishes for which vinegar is used.

Antidepressants (these drugs contain monoamine oxidase inhibitors), therefore it is better not to combine aged cheeses, blue cheeses, sauerkraut, soy sauce, beef and chicken liver, dried fish and meat, yogurt, figs, raisins and sour cream. All of these products contain tyramine, which, when combined with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, can dramatically increase blood pressure.
Note: when taking antidepressants, you must categorically refrain from alcohol, especially red wine.

Anticoagulants (blood thinners) must not be combined with cranberry juice, fruit drink or cranberries themselves. This combination can cause internal bleeding.

Aspirin . When taking it, eat meals with a low content of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, otherwise the effect of the medicine may be halved. Refuse citrus juices, as together with aspirin they provoke severe irritation of the gastric mucosa.
Note: never take aspirin with milk (it is believed that this method protects the gastric mucosa), as it completely neutralizes the drug, and the drug simply does not work.

Painkillers (pyramidone, amidopyrine and others) are not recommended to be combined with smoked meats, as they negate all the beneficial effects.

Hormonal preparations. They affect the material metabolism, therefore, to prevent complications, you need to eat cottage cheese and other dairy products, as well as dried apricots, fish, raisins, berries and pumpkin (these products contain a lot of proteins, potassium salts and vitamins).

Iron preparations . Taking them, give up coffee, tea, starchy and sweet, dairy products and nuts. All these foods make it difficult for the body to absorb iron.

Clonidine (lowering blood pressure) must not be combined with alcohol. Alcoholic drinks neutralize the effect of the drug, which can cause a sharp jump in pressure.
Note: taking clonidine together with alcohol, you can lose consciousness (this effect is used by some scammers, which you probably know about from crime chronicles and movies).

Diuretics. They contribute to the excretion of potassium from the body. To replenish its reserves, you need to eat green peas, sorrel, spinach, dried apricots, beets, onions, potatoes, apples and carrots.
Note: diuretics should not be combined with liquorice – licorice root (licorice extract contains expectorant mixtures, “pharmaceutical” lozenges, and a decoction of the root is used as a laxative and diuretic). The substances contained in the licorice root block the inactivation of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids in the body. Also, combined with diuretics, licorice root causes increased excretion of fluid (may cause dehydration) and potassium (muscles can break down).

Antirheumatoid drugs. These drugs have a very aggressive effect on the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract. Stick to a strict diet when taking these drugs: give up raw vegetables and fruits, fried foods and mushrooms.

Statins (lower blood cholesterol levels) should not be combined with grapefruit, pomelo and various hybrid citrus fruits. Substances that contain grapefruits and citrus fruits crossed with them block the liver enzyme that breaks down statins. As a result, the concentration of statins in the body can increase, which will cause liver dysfunction and lead to muscle breakdown.

Sulfonamides (sulfadimethoxine, biseptol, sulfadimezin) are antimicrobial and antibacterial drugs that should not be taken along with the use of liver, kidney, cranberries, greens, fatty foods, sugar and other sweets. Try to drink plenty of fluids, especially alkaline mineral water. When taking such drugs, the body suppresses the flow of urine, which can cause blockage of the urinary tract and renal tubules with insoluble crystals, especially in the acidic environment of urine. In this regard, try to supply the body with more water than usual. Fats and sugar reduce the effectiveness of sulfa drugs, as they cause a delay in digestion.

Clonidine – description of the substance, pharmacology, use, contraindications, formula

Properties:

Contents

• Structural formula

• Russian name

• English title

• Latin name

• chemical name

• Gross formula

• Pharmacological group of the substance Clonidine

• Nosological classification

• CAS code

• pharmachologic effect

• Characteristic

• Pharmacology

• The use of the substance Clonidine

• Contraindications

• Application restrictions

• Use during pregnancy and lactation

• Side effects of Clonidine

• Interaction

• Overdose

• Dosage and administration

• Precautionary measures

• Trade names with the active ingredient Clonidine

Structural formula

Russian name

Clonidine

English name

Clonidine

Latin name0131 Clonidini)

Chemical name

2,6-Dichloro-N-2-imidazolidinylidenebenzamine (as hydrochloride)

Gross formula

C ₉ H _{9 9 0141 Cl 2 N 3}

Pharmacological substance group Clonidine

Alpha-agonists

Ophthalmic products

Nosological classification

List of ICD-10 codes

CAS code

4205-90-7

Pharmacological action

Pharmacological action –

hypotensive , sedative .

Characteristics

White crystalline powder. Let’s dissolve in water, we will badly dissolve in alcohol, chloroform and ether.

Pharmacology

Excites alpha ₂ -adrenergic receptors, lowers the tone of the vasomotor center of the medulla oblongata and reduces impulses in the sympathetic link of the peripheral nervous system at the presynaptic level. Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The maximum effect develops after 2-4 hours and lasts about 5 hours. The duration of action is from 6 to 12 hours. T _1/2 – 12 hours Easily and quickly penetrates the BBB. It is excreted mainly by the kidneys unchanged. Lowers OPSS, heart rate, cardiac output. Reduces the production of intraocular fluid and improves its outflow, reduces intraocular pressure. Prolonged use is accompanied by water retention in the body. With rapid administration, a short increase in blood pressure is possible due to stimulation of peripheral adrenergic receptors.

The use of the substance Clonidine

Hypertensive crisis, arterial hypertension, primary open-angle glaucoma – as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs that reduce intraocular pressure (eye drops).

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, cardiogenic shock, arterial hypotension, severe cerebral atherosclerosis, obliterating diseases of peripheral arteries, II-III degree AV block, severe sinus bradycardia, sick sinus syndrome, depression, porphyria, concomitant use of tricyclic antidepressants and ethanol, pregnancy, lactation; inflammatory diseases of the anterior part of the eye (additionally for eye drops).

Restrictions on use

Recent myocardial infarction, hepatic and/or renal insufficiency.

Use in pregnancy and lactation

FDA category of effect on the fetus – C.

Side effects of the substance Clonidine

From the nervous system and sensory organs: asthenia, drowsiness, slowing speed of mental and motor reactions, anxiety, nervousness, headache, dizziness, nighttime restlessness, euphoria, sedation (more pronounced in the elderly), depression, vivid or nightmare dreams.

From the side of the cardiovascular system and blood (hematopoiesis, hemostasis): bradycardia, orthostatic hypotension; with rapid intravenous administration – an increase in blood pressure (short-term).

Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching.

Other: retention of Na ⁺ and water, manifested by swelling of the feet and ankles; nasal congestion, reduced potency and / or libido, withdrawal syndrome, increased blood pressure, the so-called. hemitonic crisis.

Local reactions with eye drops: dryness of the conjunctiva, itching or burning in the eyes, feeling of a foreign body, redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, conjunctivitis.

Interactions

Tricyclic antidepressants weaken the hypotensive effect. When used with neuroleptics, there is a mutual enhancement of sedative manifestations, pronounced depressive disorders may occur.

Overdose

Symptoms: impaired consciousness, collapse, acute poisoning is characterized by bradycardia, widening of the QRS complex, possibly slowing down of AV conduction and early repolarization syndrome.

Treatment: symptomatic.

Dosage and administration

Parenterally, sublingually, orally, instillations into the eye (drops) . Doses and treatment regimen are individual.

Precautions

In acute myocardial infarction, as well as for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms on the background of dysmenorrhea or menopause, withdrawal symptoms in drug addicts and labile arterial hypertension, its use is especially undesirable.

To prevent orthostatic hypotension with intravenous administration, the patient should be in a horizontal position during and for 1.5–2 hours after injection.

Eye drops may cause systemic side effects; to reduce them after instillation, it is necessary to press the region of the lacrimal sac with your finger for 1-2 minutes. It should be borne in mind that clonidine in the form of eye drops can reduce systemic blood pressure.

A weakly positive Coombs test may develop. During the period of treatment, care must be taken when driving vehicles and engaging in other potentially hazardous activities that require increased concentration of attention and speed of psychomotor reactions.