Clonidine Pharmacology

Clonidine

About Clonidine
Centrally acting Alpha2-Adrenergic Agonist, Sympatholytic Antihypertensive.
Mechanism of Action of Clonidine
Clonidine exerts its action as an antihypertensive agent by stimulating alpha-2A receptors located in regions of brain, such as the nucleus tractus solitarius.Stimulation of these alpha 2 receptors brings about a decrease in sympathetic outflow from the CNS which in turn leads to decrease in peripheral vascular resistance and blood pressure.Bradycardia is also produced by Clonidine as a result of centrally induced facilitation of vagus nerve and stimulation of cardiac prejunctional alpha 2 receptors. Decrease in cardiac out put is due to decrease in stroke volume and bradycardia.
Clonidine has also been used in the prophylactic treatment of migraine or recurrent vascular headaches

Pharmacokinets of Clonidine
Absorption: Well absorbed orally, Distribution: Widely distributed,
Metabolism: Metabolized in liver, Excretion: Excreted mainly through urine.
Onset of Action for Clonidine
24 to 72 hours
Duration of Action for Clonidine
Few days
Half Life of Clonidine
12 hours
Side Effects of Clonidine
1.Sedation
2.Mental depression
3.Dryness of mouth, eyes & nose
4.Constipation
5.Impotence
6.Dizziness
7.Insomnia
8.Nightmares
9.Electrolyte imbalance
10.Bradycardia
11.Withdrawal syndrome
12.Rash
13.Urticaria
Contra-indications of Clonidine
1.Hypersensitivity to the drug
2.Sick sinus syndrome
3.Disorders of SA node activity and conduction
Special Precautions while taking Clonidine
1.Coronary disorders
2.Myocardial infarction
3.Cerebrovascular diseases
4.Renal impairment
5.Hepatic impairment
Pregnancy Related Information
Use with caution
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Use with caution
Children Related Information
Use with caution
Indications for Clonidine
1.Hypertension
2.Menopausal symptoms
3.Opiate withdrawal
4.Nicotine withdrawal
5.Diabetic diarrhea
6.Growth delay in children
7.Alcohol withdrawal
8.Migraine prophylaxis
9.As a diagnostic agent in pheochromocytoma
Interactions for Clonidine
N/A
Typical Dosage for Clonidine
Adult
Hypertension: 100 to 200mcg/day orally 12th hourly,Increase if required to600mcg/day,Maximum dose: 2.4 mg/day
Menopausal symptoms:25 to 75 mcg orally 12hourly
Opiate withdrawal: 0.005mg to 0.017mg/kg/day in divided doses for 10 days
Nicotine withdrawal:Starts with 150mcg and increased up to 400mcg orally
Diabetic diarrhea: 150 to 1200mcg/day orally
Migraine prophylaxis:25mcg to 75mcg twice daily
Children: 0.005 to 0.025mg/kg/day
Schedule of Clonidine
H
Storage Requirements for Clonidine
Store at room temperature.Protect from heat and light.Keep away from children.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Clonidine
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Clonidine
Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Assure the airway and empty the stomach by gastric lavage. Administer activated charcoal. In case of transdermal patch remove it from the body

Home Delivery for Clonidine in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including clonidine.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for clonidine and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for clonidine may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take clonidine only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for clonidine before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for clonidine with the pharmacy.

Clonidine is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for clonidine might be better known than clonidine itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have clonidine in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for clonidine.