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Clonidine

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Clonidine, Catapres

  • See Also
  1. Alpha Adrenergic Central Agonist
  2. Clonidine Overdose
  3. Clonidine Withdrawal
  • Indications
  1. Hypertension
  2. Vasomotor Symptoms of Menopause
  3. Tic Management
  • Mechanism
  1. See Alpha Adrenergic Central Agonist
  2. See Alpha Adrenergic Receptor
  • Precautions
  1. See Clonidine Withdrawal
  2. Acute withdrawal risk (do not stop suddenly, esp. if Clonidine dose >1.2 mg per day)
  • Preparations
  1. Clonidine (Catapres) Tablet
    1. Start: 0.2 mg PO load
    2. Titrate 0.1 mg/hour to:
      1. Maximum of 0.7 mg
      2. Diastolic Blood Pressure drops more than 20 mmHg
    3. Activity
      1. Onset in 30-60 min
      2. Duration: 6-10 hours
  2. Other forms
    1. Conidine IV
    2. Clonidine transdermal patch
      1. Does not reach peak effect for 2-3 days
      2. Once at level, delivers constant Clonidine rate over 7 days
    3. Epidural Clonidine (for Chronic Pain)
  • References
  1. Mishler and Lovecchio (2017) Crit Dec Emerg Med 31(11): 15-20