CONTRAINDICATIONS / PRECAUTIONS
General Information
Clonidine is contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to clonidine. Generalized rash, urticaria, and angioedema have occurred with clonidine use.
Administration of epidural clonidine above the C4 dermatome is contraindicated because there are no adequate safety data to support such use.
Abrupt discontinuation, vomiting
Abrupt discontinuation of clonidine, regardless of route of administration, can precipitate a withdrawal syndrome consisting of rebound increases in both serum and urine catecholamines. Symptoms of nervousness, agitation, headache, tremor, and rebound hypertension have been associated with clonidine withdrawal. Rarely, hypertensive encephalopathy, cerebrovascular accidents, and death have been reported. Patients at higher risk of experiencing adverse consequences of withdrawal include those with a history of hypertension or other cardiovascular disorders, receiving higher doses of clonidine, or receiving concomitant beta-blocker therapy. Pediatric patients receiving oral clonidine who experience gastrointestinal illness associated with vomiting may also be at risk for withdrawal due to abrupt inability to take medication. Careful monitoring of infusion pump function and catheter tubing for obstruction or dislodgement is recommended in patients receiving epidural clonidine to prevent inadvertent abrupt discontinuation.If it is necessary to discontinue clonidine, doses should be slowly tapered over 2—4 days to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Patients who have received clonidine therapy for greater than 4 weeks may require slower dosage tapers (i.e., dosage reduction every 3 days). If it is necessary to discontinue extended-release clonidine (Kapvay), reduce the dose by increments of <= 0.1 mg every 3—7 days. Monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate during weaning is recommended, even when clonidine is used for psychotropic indications.
AV block, bradycardia, cerebrovascular disease, dehydration, heart failure, hypotension, myocardial infarction, orthostatic hypotension, syncope
The hypotensive effects of clonidine may decrease perfusion and worsen ischemia in patients with cerebrovascular disease, recent myocardial infarction, or severe heart failure. The sympatholytic action of clonidine may worsen sinus node dysfunction and AV block, especially in patients taking other sympatholytic agents. Because clonidine decreases blood pressure and heart rate, use clonidine extended-release tablets for ADHD with caution in patients with a history of hypotension, AV block, bradycardia, or cardiovascular disease. Patients with a history of syncope or conditions that may increase the risk of syncope such as hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, or dehydration should also be treated with caution. The American Heart Association (AHA) has recommended that pediatric patients receiving clonidine be monitored for changes in blood pressure at treatment initiation, periodically during treatment, and when tapering the drug, even when clonidine is used for psychotropic indications. In addition, the AHA recommends obtaining a detailed patient and family history and physical examination prior to the therapy initiation; obtaining a baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) is also a reasonable addition to the initial evaluation.
Labor, obstetric delivery, pregnancy
Adequate and well-controlled studies of oral clonidine have not been performed during pregnancy in humans. Consider the risk-benefit before use in pregnant patients; use only if clearly needed.[42063] [42037] One study found that clonidine crosses the placenta easily, and its concentrations were equal in maternal serum, and umbilical cord serum and amniotic fluid concentrations were up to 4 times that found in serum.[46298] There is one case report suggesting that an infant who is exposed to long-term clonidine (more than 300 mcg/day) during pregnancy may be more likely to develop a sleep disorder later in life.[25452] There is a pregnancy registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to ADHD medications, including clonidine, during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for ADHD Medications at 1-866-961-2388 or by visiting the worldwide web at womensmentalhealth.org/adhd-medications/.[42037] Epidural clonidine is not recommended as an analgesic during labor and obstetric delivery, or for post-partum or peri-operative analgesia due to the risks of hemodynamic instability, especially hypotension and bradycardia. However, the potential benefits of epidural clonidine may rarely outweigh the possible risks in such patients. Several trials examining the efficacy, safety, or dosing of epidural clonidine in obstetrics have been reported. In a study comparing a combination of epidural clonidine with bupivacaine and bupivacaine alone for analgesia during labor, there was no difference in maternal blood pressure reductions and infant Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes between the two groups. The duration of labor was prolonged in patients receiving clonidine.[25453]
Females
Females and lower weight patients may be more susceptible to the hypotensive effects of epidural clonidine.
Breast-feeding
Clonidine should be administered cautiously to breast-feeding women. Clonidine is excreted in human breast milk. Based on published lactation studies, clonidine is present in human milk at relative infant doses ranging from 4.1% to 8.4% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage. Although in most cases, there were no reported adverse effects in breastfed infants exposed to clonidine, there is one case report of sedation, hypotonia, and apnea in an infant exposed to clonidine through breast milk. Monitor exposed breastfed infants for symptoms of hypotension and bradycardia, such as sedation, lethargy, tachypnea, and poor feeding. The developmental and health benefits of breast-feeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for the drug and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from clonidine or from the underlying maternal condition.
Children, infants
Safety and efficacy of clonidine extended-release tablets have not been established in infants or children less than 6 years. Safe and effective use of immediate-release oral clonidine and transdermal clonidine have not been established in pediatric patients less than 18 years of age. Because clonidine decreases blood pressure and heart rate, use clonidine with caution in pediatric patients with a history of hypotension, AV block, bradycardia, or cardiovascular disease. Pediatric patients with a history of syncope or conditions that may increase the risk of syncope such as orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, or dehydration should also be treated with caution. The American Heart Association (AHA) has recommended that all children and adolescents receiving clonidine be monitored for changes in blood pressure at treatment initiation, periodically during treatment, and when tapering the drug, even when clonidine is used for psychotropic indications. In addition, the AHA recommends obtaining a detailed patient and family history and physical examination prior to the therapy initiation; obtaining a baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) is also a reasonable addition to the initial evaluation. The safety and effectiveness of epidural clonidine in pediatric patients are based on limited data and have been established in patients old enough to tolerate placement and management of an epidural catheter, based on evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies in adults and experience with the use of clonidine in the pediatric age group for other indications. The use of epidural clonidine should be restricted to those children with severe intractable pain from a malignancy that is unresponsive to epidural or spinal opiates or other more conventional analgesic techniques. Dosing should be weight-based (e.g., 0.5 mcg/kg/hour initially) and adjusted to clinical response.
Depression
Use clonidine cautiously in patients with a history of major depression because the drug can induce depressive episodes.
Driving or operating machinery
Warn patients of the potential sedative and hypotensive effects of clonidine and advised against driving or operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks, until they are aware of how the medication affects them.
Sick sinus syndrome
Use clonidine cautiously in patients with sinus node function impairment such as sick sinus syndrome, although its effects on cardiac conduction appear to be slight.
Raynaud's phenomenon, thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease)
Use clonidine cautiously in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon or thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease). Clonidine may exacerbate these conditions.
Diabetes mellitus
Clonidine should be used cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus because transient elevations in blood glucose have been noted. It has, however, been used safely in many diabetic patients.
Renal disease, renal failure, renal impairment
Clonidine has been used safely in patients with renal disease. Clonidine is 45% renally excreted and drug concentrations may accumulate in renal failure. Therefore, the manufacturer recommends careful monitoring and that patients with renal impairment may benefit from a lower initial dose. In clinical practice, dosage adjustments are usually not clinically needed in patients with renal failure or renal disease, and the dosage of clonidine is titrated to achieve clinical goals.
Anticoagulant therapy, coagulopathy, infection
Clonidine epidural injection is contraindicated in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy or in patients with a coagulopathy. Epidural clonidine is also contraindicated in patients with an infection at the site of injection.
Cardiac disease
Epidural clonidine should be used cautiously in patients with severe cardiac disease or who are hemodynamically unstable due to the potential for severe hypotension. When clonidine is administered into the upper thoracic spinal segments more profound decreases in blood pressure may be seen.
Intrathecal administration
The inadvertent intrathecal administration of clonidine has not been associated with significantly increased adverse events; however, there are inadequate safety and efficacy data to support the use of intrathecal clonidine.
Defibrillation (cardioversion), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Clonidine transdermal systems should be removed prior to defibrillation (cardioversion) because the drug can alter electrical conductivity, increasing the likelihood that electrical arcing will occur. In addition, because some clonidine transdermal systems (e.g., Catapres-TTS, others) contain aluminum or other metal components, patients should be instructed to remove the patch before undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Metal components contained in the backing of some transdermal systems can overheat during an MRI scan and cause skin burns in the area where the patch is adhered.
Polyarteritis nodosa, scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Absorption of transdermal clonidine can be decreased in patients with polyarteritis nodosa, scleroderma, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and the patches should not be placed on affected areas.
Skin abrasion
Absorption of transdermal clonidine can be increased in areas of skin irritation or skin abrasion, so placement of the patches in these areas should be avoided.
Surgery
Careful consideration should be given to the scheduling of clonidine doses near the time of surgery; specific recommendations are available that are dependent on the dosage form. Oral administration of immediate-release clonidine should be continued to within 4 hours of surgery and resumed as soon as possible thereafter. Although the manufacturers of clonidine injection and Kapvay brand extended-release clonidine for ADHD do not provide specific recommendations regarding dosing near surgery, these formulations should not be abruptly discontinued due to the risk of withdrawal symptoms. Transdermal clonidine therapy should not be interrupted during the surgical period. Blood pressure should be carefully monitored during surgery; additional measures to control blood pressure should be readily available if necessary. If transdermal clonidine therapy is initiated during the perioperative period, clinicians must be aware that therapeutic plasma clonidine concentrations are not achieved until 2—3 days after initial application of the transdermal therapeutic system.
Pheochromocytoma
Clonidine is not expected to have a therapeutic effect on hypertension caused by pheochromocytoma.
Geriatric
Geriatric patients should be treated with caution because they are more likely to have decreased renal function and are more susceptible to the hypotensive and sedative effects of clonidine. A clonidine dosage reduction of the normal initial adult dosage may be considered when used for hypertension. Data are limited for the use of clonidine epidural injection for pain management in the elderly. There are no data to support efficacy and safety for the use of clonidine (e.g., Kapvay) in the treatment of older adults with attention-deficit disorder (ADHD). According to the Beers Criteria, clonidine is considered a potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) in geriatric patients; avoid clonidine as a first-line antihypertensive and as routine treatment of hypertension due to the high risk of adverse CNS effects and the possibility of bradycardia or orthostatic hypotension in the older adult. The federal Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) regulates medication use in residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs); individualize antihypertensive regimens to achieve desired outcomes while minimizing adverse effects. Antihypertensives may cause dizziness, postural hypotension, fatigue, and there is an increased risk for falls. Some agents, such as clonidine, require a gradual taper to avoid adverse consequences caused by abrupt discontinuation.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Acarbose: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Acetaminophen; Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine: (Major) The cardiovascular effects of sympathomimetics, such as phenylephrine, may reduce the antihypertensive effects produced by clonidine. Blood pressure and heart rates should be monitored closely to confirm that the desired antihypertensive effect is achieved.
Acetaminophen; Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Acetaminophen; Chlorpheniramine; Phenylephrine : (Major) The cardiovascular effects of sympathomimetics, such as phenylephrine, may reduce the antihypertensive effects produced by clonidine. Blood pressure and heart rates should be monitored closely to confirm that the desired antihypertensive effect is achieved.
Acetaminophen; Dextromethorphan; Guaifenesin; Phenylephrine: (Major) The cardiovascular effects of sympathomimetics, such as phenylephrine, may reduce the antihypertensive effects produced by clonidine. Blood pressure and heart rates should be monitored closely to confirm that the desired antihypertensive effect is achieved.
Acetaminophen; Dextromethorphan; Guaifenesin; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Acetaminophen; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine: (Major) The cardiovascular effects of sympathomimetics, such as phenylephrine, may reduce the antihypertensive effects produced by clonidine. Blood pressure and heart rates should be monitored closely to confirm that the desired antihypertensive effect is achieved.
Acetaminophen; Dextromethorphan; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Acetaminophen; Dichloralphenazone; Isometheptene: (Major) Sympathomimetics can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of adrenergic agonists when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Acetaminophen; Guaifenesin; Phenylephrine: (Major) The cardiovascular effects of sympathomimetics, such as phenylephrine, may reduce the antihypertensive effects produced by clonidine. Blood pressure and heart rates should be monitored closely to confirm that the desired antihypertensive effect is achieved.
Acetaminophen; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Acetazolamide: (Moderate) The concomitant administration of diuretics with other antihypertensive agents can result in additive hypotensive effects. This interaction can be therapeutically advantageous, but dosages must be adjusted accordingly.
Acrivastine; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Albiglutide: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Aldesleukin, IL-2: (Moderate) Antihypertensive agents may potentiate the hypotension seen with aldesleukin, IL-2.
Alemtuzumab: (Moderate) Alemtuzumab may cause hypotension. Careful monitoring of blood pressure and hypotensive symptoms is recommended especially in patients with ischemic heart disease and in patients on antihypertensive agents.
Alogliptin; Metformin: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Alprazolam: (Moderate) Clonidine has CNS depressive effects and can potentiate the actions of other CNS depressants including benzodiazepines.
Alprostadil: (Minor) The concomitant use of systemic alprostadil injection and central-acting antihypertensive agents may cause additive hypotension. Caution is advised with this combination. Systemic drug interactions with the urethral suppository (MUSE) or alprostadil intracavernous injection are unlikely in most patients because low or undetectable amounts of the drug are found in the peripheral venous circulation following administration. In those men with significant corpora cavernosa venous leakage, hypotension might be more likely. Use caution with in-clinic dosing for erectile dysfunction (ED) and monitor for the effects on blood pressure. In addition, the presence of medications in the circulation that attenuate erectile function may influence the response to alprostadil. However, in clinical trials with alprostadil intracavernous injection, anti-hypertensive agents had no apparent effect on the safety and efficacy of alprostadil.
Amifostine: (Major) Patients receiving central-acting adrenergic agents should be closely monitored during amifostine infusions due to additive effects. Patients receiving amifostine at doses recommended for chemotherapy should have antihypertensive therapy interrupted 24 hours preceding administration of amifostine. If the antihypertensive cannot be stopped, patients should not receive amifostine.
Amiodarone: (Moderate) Monitor for potential bradycardia or atrioventricular block during coadministration with amiodarone. Clonidine can produce bradycardia and should be used cautiously in patients who are receiving other drugs that lower the heart rate.
Amitriptyline: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness or excess sedation during coadministration of clonidine and tricyclic antidepressants. Concomitant use may result in reduced hypotensive effect of clonidine and additive CNS depression.
Amoxapine: (Major) Concurrent use of clonidine with amoxapine should be avoided when possible, due to multiple possible interactions. Clonidine's antihypertensive effect can be reduced by cyclic antidepressants; occasionally, the hypertension will occur within the first few days of combined therapy. If coadministration of amoxapine with clonidine cannot be avoided, the patient should be closely monitored for increased blood pressure and clonidine dosages adjusted as needed. In addition, concurrent administration of a cyclic antidepressant and clonidine may result in additive CNS depression or other side effects; clonidine produces mental depression as a side effect in roughly 1% of patients. In rats, the coadministration of a cyclic antidepressant (amitriptyline) with clonidine resulted in corneal lesions, but the human implications of these animal study findings are unknown.
Amphetamine: (Minor) Close monitoring of blood pressure or the selection of alternative therapeutic agents may be needed in patients receiving clonidine and amphetamines. Amphetamines increase both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and may counteract the activity of some antihypertensive agents.
Amphetamine; Dextroamphetamine Salts: (Minor) Close monitoring of blood pressure or the selection of alternative therapeutic agents may be needed in patients receiving clonidine and amphetamines. Amphetamines increase both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and may counteract the activity of some antihypertensive agents.
Amphetamine; Dextroamphetamine: (Minor) Close monitoring of blood pressure or the selection of alternative therapeutic agents may be needed in patients receiving clonidine and amphetamines. Amphetamines increase both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and may counteract the activity of some antihypertensive agents.
Amyl Nitrite: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure during concomitant central-acting adrenergic agent and nitrate use due to risk for additive hypotension; dosage adjustments may be necessary.
Apomorphine: (Moderate) Use of central-acting adrenergic agents and apomorphine together can increase the hypotensive effects of apomorphine. Monitor blood pressure regularly during use of this combination.
Apraclonidine: (Minor) Alpha blockers as a class may reduce heart rate and blood pressure. While no specific drug interactions have been identified with systemic agents and apraclonidine during clinical trials, it is theoretically possible that additive blood pressure reductions could occur when apraclonidine is combined with the use of antihypertensive agents. Patients using cardiovascular drugs concomitantly with apraclonidine should have their pulse and blood pressure monitored periodically.
Aripiprazole: (Minor) Due to aripiprazole's antagonism at alpha 1-adrenergic receptors, the drug may enhance the hypotensive effects of alpha-blockers and other antihypertensive agents.
Articaine; Epinephrine: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and heart rate during concomitant clonidine and epinephrine use. Clonidine may potentiate the pressor effects of epinephrine.
Asenapine: (Moderate) Secondary to alpha-blockade, asenapine can produce vasodilation that may result in additive effects during concurrent use of antihypertensive agents. The potential reduction in blood pressure can precipitate orthostatic hypotension and associated dizziness, tachycardia, and syncope. If concurrent use of asenapine and antihypertensive agents is necessary, patients should be counseled on measures to prevent orthostatic hypotension, such as sitting on the edge of the bed for several minutes prior to standing in the morning and rising slowly from a seated position. Close monitoring of blood pressure is recommended until the full effects of the combination therapy are known.
Atropine; Difenoxin: (Moderate) Concurrent administration of diphenoxylate/difenoxin with clonidine can potentiate the CNS-depressant effects of diphenoxylate/difenoxin. Use caution during coadministration.
Baclofen: (Moderate) Baclofen has been associated with hypotension. Concurrent use with baclofen and antihypertensive agents may result in additive hypotension. Dosage adjustments of the antihypertensive medication may be required.
Benzodiazepines: (Moderate) Clonidine has CNS depressive effects and can potentiate the actions of other CNS depressants including benzodiazepines.
Benzphetamine: (Major) Benzphetamine can increase both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and may counteract the activity of clonidine. This represents a pharmacodynamic, and not a pharmacokinetic, interaction. Close monitoring of blood pressure, especially in patients who are taking antihypertensive agents, may be needed.
Beta-blockers: (Moderate) Monitor heart rate in patients receiving concomitant clonidine and agents known to affect sinus node function or AV nodal conduction (e.g., beta-blockers). Severe bradycardia resulting in hospitalization and pacemaker insertion has been reported during combination therapy with clonidine and other sympatholytic agents. Concomitant use of clonidine with beta-blockers can also cause additive hypotension. Beta-blockers should not be substituted for clonidine when modifications are made in a patient's antihypertensive regimen because beta-blocker administration during clonidine withdrawal can augment clonidine withdrawal, which may lead to a hypertensive crisis. If a beta-blocker is to be substituted for clonidine, clonidine should be gradually tapered and the beta-blocker should be gradually increased over several days to avoid the possibility of rebound hypertension; administration of beta-blockers during withdrawal of clonidine can precipitate severe increases in blood pressure as a result of unopposed alpha stimulation.
Bortezomib: (Moderate) Patients on antihypertensive agents receiving bortezomib treatment may require close monitoring of their blood pressure and dosage adjustment of their medication. During clinical trials of bortezomib, hypotension was reported in roughly 12 percent of patients.
Brexpiprazole: (Moderate) Due to brexpiprazole's antagonism at alpha 1-adrenergic receptors, the drug may enhance the hypotensive effects of alpha-blockers and other antihypertensive agents.
Brompheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine: (Major) The cardiovascular effects of sympathomimetics, such as phenylephrine, may reduce the antihypertensive effects produced by clonidine. Blood pressure and heart rates should be monitored closely to confirm that the desired antihypertensive effect is achieved.
Brompheniramine; Phenylephrine: (Major) The cardiovascular effects of sympathomimetics, such as phenylephrine, may reduce the antihypertensive effects produced by clonidine. Blood pressure and heart rates should be monitored closely to confirm that the desired antihypertensive effect is achieved.
Brompheniramine; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Brompheniramine; Pseudoephedrine; Dextromethorphan: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Bupivacaine; Epinephrine: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and heart rate during concomitant clonidine and epinephrine use. Clonidine may potentiate the pressor effects of epinephrine.
Cabergoline: (Moderate) Cabergoline should be used cautiously with antihypertensive agents, including clonidine. Cabergoline has been associated with hypotension. Initial doses of cabergoline higher than 1 mg may produce orthostatic hypotension. It may be advisable to monitor blood pressure.
Canagliflozin: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Canagliflozin; Metformin: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Cannabidiol: (Moderate) Monitor for excessive sedation and somnolence during coadministration of cannabidiol and central-acting adrenergic agents. CNS depressants can potentiate the effects of cannabidiol.
Carbidopa; Levodopa: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure during concomitant use of levodopa and central-acting adrenergic agents due to risk for additive hypotension.
Carbidopa; Levodopa; Entacapone: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure during concomitant use of levodopa and central-acting adrenergic agents due to risk for additive hypotension.
Carbinoxamine; Dextromethorphan; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Carbinoxamine; Phenylephrine: (Major) The cardiovascular effects of sympathomimetics, such as phenylephrine, may reduce the antihypertensive effects produced by clonidine. Blood pressure and heart rates should be monitored closely to confirm that the desired antihypertensive effect is achieved.
Carbinoxamine; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: (Moderate) The concomitant administration of diuretics with other antihypertensive agents can result in additive hypotensive effects. This interaction can be therapeutically advantageous, but dosages must be adjusted accordingly.
Cardiac glycosides: (Moderate) Clonidine can produce bradycardia and should be used cautiously in patients who are receiving other drugs that lower the heart rate such as cardiac glycosides.
Cariprazine: (Moderate) Orthostatic vital signs should be monitored in patients who are at risk for hypotension, such as those receiving cariprazine in combination with antihypertensive agents. Atypical antipsychotics may cause orthostatic hypotension and syncope, most commonly during treatment initiation and dosage increases. Patients should be informed about measures to prevent orthostatic hypotension, such as sitting on the edge of the bed for several minutes prior to standing in the morning, or rising slowly from a seated position. Consider a cariprazine dose reduction if hypotension occurs.
Cenobamate: (Moderate) Monitor for excessive sedation and somnolence during coadministration of cenobamate and clonidine. Concurrent use may result in additive CNS depression.
Ceritinib: (Major) Avoid concomitant use of ceritinib with clonidine if possible due to the risk of additive bradycardia. Both ceritinib and clonidine can cause bradycardia. An interruption of ceritinib therapy, dose reduction, or discontinuation of therapy may be necessary if bradycardia occurs.
Cetirizine: (Moderate) Monitor for unusual drowsiness and sedation during coadministration of cetirizine and clonidine due to the risk for additive CNS depression.
Cetirizine; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Monitor for unusual drowsiness and sedation during coadministration of cetirizine and clonidine due to the risk for additive CNS depression. (Moderate) Sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Chlophedianol; Dexchlorpheniramine; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Chlordiazepoxide: (Moderate) Clonidine has CNS depressive effects and can potentiate the actions of other CNS depressants including benzodiazepines.
Chlordiazepoxide; Amitriptyline: (Moderate) Clonidine has CNS depressive effects and can potentiate the actions of other CNS depressants including benzodiazepines. (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness or excess sedation during coadministration of clonidine and tricyclic antidepressants. Concomitant use may result in reduced hypotensive effect of clonidine and additive CNS depression.
Chlordiazepoxide; Clidinium: (Moderate) Clonidine has CNS depressive effects and can potentiate the actions of other CNS depressants including benzodiazepines.
Chloroprocaine: (Moderate) Local anesthetics may cause additive hypotension in combination with antihypertensive agents.
Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine: (Major) The cardiovascular effects of sympathomimetics, such as phenylephrine, may reduce the antihypertensive effects produced by clonidine. Blood pressure and heart rates should be monitored closely to confirm that the desired antihypertensive effect is achieved.
Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Chlorpheniramine; Dihydrocodeine; Phenylephrine: (Major) The cardiovascular effects of sympathomimetics, such as phenylephrine, may reduce the antihypertensive effects produced by clonidine. Blood pressure and heart rates should be monitored closely to confirm that the desired antihypertensive effect is achieved.
Chlorpheniramine; Ibuprofen; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Chlorpheniramine; Phenylephrine: (Major) The cardiovascular effects of sympathomimetics, such as phenylephrine, may reduce the antihypertensive effects produced by clonidine. Blood pressure and heart rates should be monitored closely to confirm that the desired antihypertensive effect is achieved.
Chlorpheniramine; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Chlorpromazine: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness or excessive sedation during concomitant central-acting adrenergic agent and phenothiazine use. Concomitant use increases the risk for additive hypotension and CNS depression.
Clomipramine: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness or excess sedation during coadministration of clonidine and tricyclic antidepressants. Concomitant use may result in reduced hypotensive effect of clonidine and additive CNS depression.
Clonazepam: (Moderate) Clonidine has CNS depressive effects and can potentiate the actions of other CNS depressants including benzodiazepines.
Clorazepate: (Moderate) Clonidine has CNS depressive effects and can potentiate the actions of other CNS depressants including benzodiazepines.
Clozapine: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Cocaine: (Major) Use of cocaine with antihypertensive agents may increase the antihypertensive effects of the antihypertensive medications or may potentiate cocaine-induced sympathetic stimulation.
Codeine; Guaifenesin; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Codeine; Phenylephrine; Promethazine: (Major) The cardiovascular effects of sympathomimetics, such as phenylephrine, may reduce the antihypertensive effects produced by clonidine. Blood pressure and heart rates should be monitored closely to confirm that the desired antihypertensive effect is achieved. (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness or excessive sedation during concomitant central-acting adrenergic agent and phenothiazine use. Concomitant use increases the risk for additive hypotension and CNS depression.
Codeine; Promethazine: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness or excessive sedation during concomitant central-acting adrenergic agent and phenothiazine use. Concomitant use increases the risk for additive hypotension and CNS depression.
Co-Enzyme Q10, Ubiquinone: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure during concomitant co-enzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) and central-acting adrenergic agents use. Concomitant use may result in additive hypotension.
COMT inhibitors: (Major) COMT inhibitors should be given cautiously with other agents that cause CNS depression, including clonidine, due to the possibility of additive sedation and hypotension. COMT inhibitors have also been associated with sudden sleep onset during activities of daily living such as driving, which has resulted in accidents in some cases. Prescribers should re-assess patients for drowsiness or sleepiness regularly throughout treatment, especially since events may occur well after the start of treatment. Patients should be advised to avoid driving or other tasks requiring mental alertness until they know how the combination affects them.
Crizotinib: (Major) Avoid coadministration of crizotinib with agents known to cause bradycardia, such as clonidine, to the extent possible due to the risk of additive bradycardia. If concomitant use is unavoidable, monitor heart rate and blood pressure regularly. An interruption of crizotinib therapy or dose adjustment may be necessary if bradycardia occurs.
Cyclobenzaprine: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness and sedation during coadministration of clonidine and cyclobenzaprine; a clonidine dose adjustment may be necessary. Concomitant use may result in decreased clonidine efficacy and/or additive CNS depression. The hypotensive effect of clonidine may be reduced by tricyclic antidepressants, and cyclobenzaprine is structurally related to the tricyclic antidepressants.
Cyclosporine: (Minor) Clonidine can inhibit cyclosporine-induced glomerular vasoconstriction and has been shown to offset cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity. Clonidine may adversely affect cyclosporine pharmacokinetics; limited data suggest that cyclosporine concentrations increase - dramatically, in some cases - when clonidine is added. Until more data are available, clinicians should use clonidine cautiously in patients stabilized on cyclosporine.
Dapagliflozin: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Dapagliflozin; Metformin: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Dapagliflozin; Saxagliptin: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Desipramine: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness or excess sedation during coadministration of clonidine and tricyclic antidepressants. Concomitant use may result in reduced hypotensive effect of clonidine and additive CNS depression.
Desloratadine; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Deutetrabenazine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of deutetrabenazine and drugs that can cause CNS depression, such as clonidine, may have additive effects and worsen drowsiness or sedation. Advise patients about worsened somnolence and not to drive or perform other tasks requiring mental alertness until they know how deutetrabenazine affects them.
Dexbrompheniramine; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Dexchlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Dextroamphetamine: (Minor) Close monitoring of blood pressure or the selection of alternative therapeutic agents may be needed in patients receiving clonidine and amphetamines. Amphetamines increase both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and may counteract the activity of some antihypertensive agents.
Dextromethorphan; Diphenhydramine; Phenylephrine: (Major) The cardiovascular effects of sympathomimetics, such as phenylephrine, may reduce the antihypertensive effects produced by clonidine. Blood pressure and heart rates should be monitored closely to confirm that the desired antihypertensive effect is achieved.
Dextromethorphan; Guaifenesin; Phenylephrine: (Major) The cardiovascular effects of sympathomimetics, such as phenylephrine, may reduce the antihypertensive effects produced by clonidine. Blood pressure and heart rates should be monitored closely to confirm that the desired antihypertensive effect is achieved.
Dextromethorphan; Guaifenesin; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Dextromethorphan; Quinidine: (Moderate) Quinidine can decrease blood pressure and should be used cautiously in patients receiving antihypertensive agents due to the potential for additive hypotension.
Diazepam: (Moderate) Clonidine has CNS depressive effects and can potentiate the actions of other CNS depressants including benzodiazepines.
Diazoxide: (Moderate) Additive hypotensive effects can occur with the concomitant administration of diazoxide with other antihypertensive agents. This interaction can be therapeutically advantageous, but dosages must be adjusted accordingly. The manufacturer advises that IV diazoxide should not be administered to patients within 6 hours of receiving other antihypertensive agents. Diazoxide can enhance the hyperglycemic, hyperuricemic and antihypertensive effects of thiazide diuretics.
Diethylpropion: (Major) Sympathomimetics, such as diethylpropion, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Difelikefalin: (Moderate) Monitor for dizziness, somnolence, mental status changes, and gait disturbances if concomitant use of difelikefalin with CNS depressants is necessary. Concomitant use may increase the risk for these adverse reactions.
Digitoxin: (Moderate) Clonidine can produce bradycardia and should be used cautiously in patients who are receiving other drugs that lower the heart rate such as cardiac glycosides.
Digoxin: (Moderate) Clonidine can produce bradycardia and should be used cautiously in patients who are receiving other drugs that lower the heart rate such as cardiac glycosides.
Diltiazem: (Moderate) Avoid concomitant use of diltiazem and extended-release clonidine tablets. Monitor heart rate during concomitant use of diltiazem and other clonidine formulations. Concomitant use may potentiate bradycardia and risk of AV block. Sinus bradycardia resulting in hospitalization and pacemaker insertion has been reported during the use of diltiazem and clonidine.
Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Diphenhydramine; Phenylephrine: (Major) The cardiovascular effects of sympathomimetics, such as phenylephrine, may reduce the antihypertensive effects produced by clonidine. Blood pressure and heart rates should be monitored closely to confirm that the desired antihypertensive effect is achieved.
Diphenoxylate; Atropine: (Moderate) Concurrent administration of diphenoxylate/difenoxin with clonidine can potentiate the CNS-depressant effects of diphenoxylate/difenoxin. Use caution during coadministration.
Dobutamine: (Major) Sympathomimetics, such as dobutamine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Dopamine: (Major) Sympathomimetics, such as dopamine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly.Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Doxepin: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness or excess sedation during coadministration of clonidine and tricyclic antidepressants. Concomitant use may result in reduced hypotensive effect of clonidine and additive CNS depression.
Dulaglutide: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Duloxetine: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure during concomitant duloxetine and central-acting adrenergic agent use. Concomitant use increases the risk for hypotension, including orthostatic hypotension and syncope. Consider reducing the duloxetine dose or discontinuing duloxetine if symptomatic orthostatic hypotension, falls, or syncope occur during treatment.
Empagliflozin: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Empagliflozin; Linagliptin: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Empagliflozin; Linagliptin; Metformin: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Empagliflozin; Metformin: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Ephedrine: (Moderate) Carefully monitor blood pressure in patients who have received both ephedrine and clonidine; clonidine augments the pressor effect of ephedrine.
Ephedrine; Guaifenesin: (Moderate) Carefully monitor blood pressure in patients who have received both ephedrine and clonidine; clonidine augments the pressor effect of ephedrine.
Epinephrine: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and heart rate during concomitant clonidine and epinephrine use. Clonidine may potentiate the pressor effects of epinephrine.
Epoprostenol: (Moderate) The concomitant administration of epoprostenol with other antihypertensive agents can result in additive hypotensive effects. This can be therapeutically advantageous, but dosages must be adjusted accordingly.
Ertugliflozin: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Ertugliflozin; Metformin: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Ertugliflozin; Sitagliptin: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Esketamine: (Major) Closely monitor patients receiving esketamine and clonidine for sedation and other CNS depressant effects. Instruct patients who receive a dose of esketamine not to drive or engage in other activities requiring alertness until the next day after a restful sleep.
Estazolam: (Moderate) Clonidine has CNS depressive effects and can potentiate the actions of other CNS depressants including benzodiazepines.
Estradiol Cypionate; Medroxyprogesterone: (Minor) Estrogens can induce fluid retention and may increase blood pressure in some patients; patients who are receiving antihypertensive agents concurrently with hormone therapy should be monitored for antihypertensive effectiveness.
Estradiol: (Minor) Estrogens can induce fluid retention and may increase blood pressure in some patients; patients who are receiving antihypertensive agents concurrently with hormone therapy should be monitored for antihypertensive effectiveness.
Ethanol: (Major) Advise patients to avoid alcohol use while taking clonidine. Clonidine may potentiate the CNS-depressive effects of alcohol.
Etomidate: (Moderate) General anesthetics can potentiate the hypotensive effects of antihypertensive agents. Reduced dosages of antihypertensives may be required during heavy sedation.
Exenatide: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Fenfluramine: (Moderate) Monitor for excessive sedation and somnolence during coadministration of fenfluramine and clonidine. Concurrent use may result in additive CNS depression.
Fexofenadine; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Dietary Supplements): (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure during concomitant fish oil and central-acting adrenergic agent use. Concomitant use may result in additive hypotension; high doses of fish oil may produce a blood pressure lowering effect.
Fluphenazine: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness or excessive sedation during concomitant central-acting adrenergic agent and phenothiazine use. Concomitant use increases the risk for additive hypotension and CNS depression.
Flurazepam: (Moderate) Clonidine has CNS depressive effects and can potentiate the actions of other CNS depressants including benzodiazepines.
Food: (Major) Advise patients to avoid cannabis use while taking CNS depressants due to the risk for additive CNS depression and potential for other cognitive adverse reactions.
Gabapentin: (Major) Initiate gabapentin at the lowest recommended dose and monitor patients for symptoms of sedation and somnolence during coadministration of gabapentin and clonidine. Concomitant use of gabapentin with clonidine may cause additive CNS depression. Educate patients about the risks and symptoms of excessive CNS depression.
General anesthetics: (Moderate) General anesthetics can potentiate the hypotensive effects of antihypertensive agents. Reduced dosages of antihypertensives may be required during heavy sedation.
Glipizide; Metformin: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Glyburide; Metformin: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Guaifenesin; Hydrocodone; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Guaifenesin; Phenylephrine: (Major) The cardiovascular effects of sympathomimetics, such as phenylephrine, may reduce the antihypertensive effects produced by clonidine. Blood pressure and heart rates should be monitored closely to confirm that the desired antihypertensive effect is achieved.
Guaifenesin; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Haloperidol: (Moderate) Disturbances of orthostatic regulation (e.g., orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, fatigue) and additive sedation may occur in patients receiving concomitant clonidine and antipsychotics. Also, based on observations in patients in a state of alcoholic delirium, high intravenous doses of clonidine may increase the arrhythmogenic potential (QT prolongation, ventricular fibrillation) of high intravenous doses of haloperidol. A causal relationship and relevance for clonidine oral tablets have not been established.
Hydralazine; Isosorbide Dinitrate, ISDN: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure during concomitant central-acting adrenergic agent and nitrate use due to risk for additive hypotension; dosage adjustments may be necessary.
Hydrocodone; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Ibuprofen; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Iloperidone: (Moderate) Secondary to alpha-blockade, iloperidone can produce vasodilation that may result in additive effects during concurrent use with antihypertensive agents. The potential reduction in blood pressure can precipitate orthostatic hypotension and associated dizziness, tachycardia, and syncope. If concurrent use of iloperidone and antihypertensive agents is necessary, patients should be counseled on measures to prevent orthostatic hypotension, such as sitting on the edge of the bed for several minutes prior to standing in the morning and rising slowly from a seated position. Close monitoring of blood pressure is recommended until the full effects of the combination therapy are known.
Iloprost: (Moderate) Further reductions in blood pressure may occur when inhaled iloprost is administered to patients receiving other antihypertensive agents.
Imipramine: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness or excess sedation during coadministration of clonidine and tricyclic antidepressants. Concomitant use may result in reduced hypotensive effect of clonidine and additive CNS depression.
Incretin Mimetics: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Insulin Degludec; Liraglutide: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Insulin Glargine; Lixisenatide: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Insulins: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Intravenous Lipid Emulsions: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure during concomitant fish oil and central-acting adrenergic agent use. Concomitant use may result in additive hypotension; high doses of fish oil may produce a blood pressure lowering effect.
Isoflurane: (Moderate) General anesthetics can potentiate the hypotensive effects of antihypertensive agents. Reduced dosages of antihypertensives may be required during heavy sedation.
Isoproterenol: (Major) Sympathomimetics can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Isosorbide Dinitrate, ISDN: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure during concomitant central-acting adrenergic agent and nitrate use due to risk for additive hypotension; dosage adjustments may be necessary.
Isosorbide Mononitrate: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure during concomitant central-acting adrenergic agent and nitrate use due to risk for additive hypotension; dosage adjustments may be necessary.
Ketamine: (Moderate) General anesthetics can potentiate the hypotensive effects of antihypertensive agents. Reduced dosages of antihypertensives may be required during heavy sedation.
Lasmiditan: (Moderate) Monitor for excessive sedation and somnolence during coadministration of lasmiditan and clonidine. Concurrent use may result in additive CNS depression. Additionally, monitor heart rate if lasmiditan is coadministered with clonidine as concurrent use may increase the risk for bradycardia. Lasmiditan has been associated with lowering of heart rate. In a drug interaction study, addition of a single 200 mg dose of lasmiditan to another heart rate lowering drug decreased heart rate by an additional 5 beats per minute.
Lemborexant: (Moderate) Monitor for excessive sedation and somnolence during coadministration of lemborexant and clonidine. Dosage adjustments of lemborexant and clonidine may be necessary when administered together because of potentially additive CNS effects. The risk of next-day impairment, including impaired driving, is increased if lemborexant is taken with other CNS depressants.
Levocetirizine: (Moderate) Monitor for unusual drowsiness and sedation during coadministration of cetirizine and clonidine due to the risk for additive CNS depression.
Levodopa: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure during concomitant use of levodopa and central-acting adrenergic agents due to risk for additive hypotension.
Levomilnacipran: (Moderate) Because levomilnacipran inhibits norepinephrine reuptake, coadministration with clonidine may inhibit clonidine's antihypertensive effect.
Lidocaine; Epinephrine: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and heart rate during concomitant clonidine and epinephrine use. Clonidine may potentiate the pressor effects of epinephrine.
Linagliptin; Metformin: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Liraglutide: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Lisdexamfetamine: (Minor) Close monitoring of blood pressure or the selection of alternative therapeutic agents may be needed in patients receiving clonidine and lisdexamfetamine. Amphetamines increase both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and may counteract the activity of some antihypertensive agents.
Lixisenatide: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Lofexidine: (Major) Lofexidine is a central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, and its effects can be additive to other medications in the same class. Monitor for excessive hypotension, bradycardia, and sedation during coadministration. Patients being given lofexidine in an outpatient setting should be capable of and instructed on self-monitoring for hypotension, orthostasis, bradycardia, and associated symptoms. If clinically significant or symptomatic hypotension and/or bradycardia occur, the next dose of lofexidine should be reduced in amount, delayed, or skipped.
Loratadine; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Lorazepam: (Moderate) Clonidine has CNS depressive effects and can potentiate the actions of other CNS depressants including benzodiazepines.
Lovastatin; Niacin: (Moderate) Cutaneous vasodilation induced by niacin may become problematic if high-dose niacin is used concomitantly with other antihypertensive agents. This effect is of particular concern in the setting of acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, or other acute hemodynamic compromise. Clonidine has been shown to inhibit niacin-induced flushing. The interaction is harmless unless niacin augments the hypotensive actions of clonidine.
Lumateperone: (Moderate) Monitor for excessive sedation, somnolence, and orthostatic hypotension during coadministration of lumateperone and clonidine. Concurrent use may result in additive CNS depression or orthostasis.
Lurasidone: (Moderate) Due to the antagonism of lurasidone at alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, the drug may enhance the hypotensive effects of alpha-blockers and other antihypertensive agents. If concurrent use of lurasidone and antihypertensive agents is necessary, patients should be counseled on measures to prevent orthostatic hypotension, such as sitting on the edge of the bed for several minutes prior to standing in the morning and rising slowly from a seated position. Close monitoring of blood pressure is recommended until the full effects of the combination therapy are known.
Macimorelin: (Major) Avoid use of macimorelin with drugs that may transiently elevate growth hormone concentrations, such as clonidine. Healthcare providers are advised to discontinue clonidine therapy and observe a sufficient washout period before administering macimorelin. Use of these medications together may impact the accuracy of the macimorelin growth hormone test.
Maprotiline: (Major) Concurrent use of clonidine with maprotiline should be avoided when possible, due to multiple possible interactions. Clonidine's antihypertensive effect can be reduced by cyclic antidepressants, such as maprotiline. If coadministration of maprotiline with clonidine cannot be avoided, the patient should be closely monitored for increased blood pressure and clonidine dosages adjusted as needed.
Meglitinides: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Meperidine; Promethazine: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness or excessive sedation during concomitant central-acting adrenergic agent and phenothiazine use. Concomitant use increases the risk for additive hypotension and CNS depression.
Mestranol; Norethindrone: (Minor) Estrogen containing oral contraceptives can induce fluid retention and may increase blood pressure in some patients; monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy to confirm that the desired antihypertensive effect is being obtained.
Metformin: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Metformin; Repaglinide: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Metformin; Rosiglitazone: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Metformin; Saxagliptin: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Metformin; Sitagliptin: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Methamphetamine: (Minor) Amphetamines increase both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and may counteract the activity of some antihypertensive agents, like clonidine, when clonidine is used for blood pressure control. Close monitoring of blood pressure is advised.
Methazolamide: (Moderate) The concomitant administration of diuretics with other antihypertensive agents can result in additive hypotensive effects. This interaction can be therapeutically advantageous, but dosages must be adjusted accordingly.
Methylphenidate Derivatives: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure during concomitant clonidine and methylphenidate use; a clonidine dose adjustment may be necessary. Methylphenidate may decrease the effectiveness of drugs used to treat hypertension.
Midazolam: (Moderate) Clonidine has CNS depressive effects and can potentiate the actions of other CNS depressants including benzodiazepines.
Midodrine: (Major) Sympathomimetics can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Miglitol: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Milnacipran: (Moderate) Because milnacipran inhibits norepinephrine reuptake, coadministration with clonidine may inhibit clonidine's antihypertensive effect.
Milrinone: (Moderate) Concurrent administration of antihypertensive agents could lead to additive hypotension when administered with milrinone. Titrate milrinone dosage according to hemodynamic response.
Mirtazapine: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness or excess sedation during coadministration of clonidine and mirtazapine. Concomitant use may result in reduced hypotensive effect of clonidine and additive CNS depression. Mirtazapine and clonidine have pharmacologic actions that potentially oppose one another. Mirtazapine inhibits central alpha-2 autoreceptors (located presynaptically on noradrenergic neurons) and stimulating norepinephrine and stimulates the serotonergic system through antagonism at alpha-2 heteroreceptors. Clonidine exerts its antihypertensive effect by stimulating the central alpha-2 autoreceptors, thereby causing a reduction in the synthesis and release of norepinephrine.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure closely if clonidine is coadministered with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Additive hypotensive effects may be seen when MAOIs are combined with antihypertensives.
Nabilone: (Major) Monitor for excessive sedation and somnolence during coadministration of nabilone and clonidine. Concurrent use may result in additive CNS depression.
Naproxen; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Nateglinide: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Nesiritide, BNP: (Major) The potential for hypotension may be increased when coadministering nesiritide with antihypertensive agents.
Niacin, Niacinamide: (Moderate) Cutaneous vasodilation induced by niacin may become problematic if high-dose niacin is used concomitantly with other antihypertensive agents. This effect is of particular concern in the setting of acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, or other acute hemodynamic compromise. Clonidine has been shown to inhibit niacin-induced flushing. The interaction is harmless unless niacin augments the hypotensive actions of clonidine.
Niacin; Simvastatin: (Moderate) Cutaneous vasodilation induced by niacin may become problematic if high-dose niacin is used concomitantly with other antihypertensive agents. This effect is of particular concern in the setting of acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, or other acute hemodynamic compromise. Clonidine has been shown to inhibit niacin-induced flushing. The interaction is harmless unless niacin augments the hypotensive actions of clonidine.
Nitrates: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure during concomitant central-acting adrenergic agent and nitrate use due to risk for additive hypotension; dosage adjustments may be necessary.
Nitroglycerin: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure during concomitant central-acting adrenergic agent and nitrate use due to risk for additive hypotension; dosage adjustments may be necessary.
Nitroprusside: (Moderate) Additive hypotensive effects may occur when nitroprusside is used concomitantly with other antihypertensive agents. Dosages should be adjusted carefully, according to blood pressure.
Norepinephrine: (Major) Sympathomimetics can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Nortriptyline: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness or excess sedation during coadministration of clonidine and tricyclic antidepressants. Concomitant use may result in reduced hypotensive effect of clonidine and additive CNS depression.
Olanzapine: (Moderate) Olanzapine may induce orthostatic hypotension and thus enhance the effects of antihypertensive agents.
Olanzapine; Fluoxetine: (Moderate) Olanzapine may induce orthostatic hypotension and thus enhance the effects of antihypertensive agents.
Olanzapine; Samidorphan: (Moderate) Olanzapine may induce orthostatic hypotension and thus enhance the effects of antihypertensive agents.
Opiate Agonists: (Major) Concomitant use of opioid agonists with clonidine may cause excessive sedation and somnolence. Limit the use of opioid pain medication with clonidine to only patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. If concurrent use is necessary, use the lowest effective doses and minimum treatment durations needed to achieve the desired clinical effect.
Oxazepam: (Moderate) Clonidine has CNS depressive effects and can potentiate the actions of other CNS depressants including benzodiazepines.
Oxymetazoline: (Major) The vasoconstricting actions of oxymetazoline, an alpha adrenergic agonist, may reduce the antihypertensive effects produced by clonidine. If these drugs are used together, closely monitor for changes in blood pressure.
Paliperidone: (Moderate) Paliperidone may cause orthostatic hypotension, thereby enhancing the hypotensive effects of antihypertensive agents. Orthostatic vital signs should be monitored in patients receiving paliperidone and central-acting adrenergic agents who are susceptible to hypotension.
Pentoxifylline: (Moderate) Pentoxifylline has been used concurrently with antihypertensive drugs (beta blockers, diuretics) without observed problems. Small decreases in blood pressure have been observed in some patients treated with pentoxifylline; periodic systemic blood pressure monitoring is recommended for patients receiving concomitant antihypertensives. If indicated, dosage of the antihypertensive agents should be reduced.
Perphenazine: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness or excessive sedation during concomitant central-acting adrenergic agent and phenothiazine use. Concomitant use increases the risk for additive hypotension and CNS depression.
Perphenazine; Amitriptyline: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness or excess sedation during coadministration of clonidine and tricyclic antidepressants. Concomitant use may result in reduced hypotensive effect of clonidine and additive CNS depression. (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness or excessive sedation during concomitant central-acting adrenergic agent and phenothiazine use. Concomitant use increases the risk for additive hypotension and CNS depression.
Phendimetrazine: (Major) Sympathomimetics can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Phenothiazines: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness or excessive sedation during concomitant central-acting adrenergic agent and phenothiazine use. Concomitant use increases the risk for additive hypotension and CNS depression.
Phentermine: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Phentermine; Topiramate: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Phenylephrine: (Major) The cardiovascular effects of sympathomimetics, such as phenylephrine, may reduce the antihypertensive effects produced by clonidine. Blood pressure and heart rates should be monitored closely to confirm that the desired antihypertensive effect is achieved.
Pimozide: (Moderate) Disturbances of orthostatic regulation (e.g., orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, fatigue) and additive sedation may be induced or exacerbated in patients receiving concomitant clonidine and antipsychotics. Caution patients to avoid hazardous tasks, such as driving or operating machinery, until the effects of concurrent use are known. Also, based on observations in patients in a state of alcoholic delirium, it has been suggested that high intravenous doses of clonidine may increase the arrhythmogenic potential (QT prolongation, ventricular fibrillation) of high intravenous doses of haloperidol. A causal relationship and relevance for clonidine oral tablets have not been established.
Pioglitazone; Metformin: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Ponesimod: (Major) Avoid concomitant use of ponesimod and medications that may decrease heart rate such as clonidine due to the risk for severe bradycardia and heart block. Consider consultation from a cardiologist if concomitant use is necessary.
Pramlintide: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Prazosin: (Moderate) Prazosin is well-known to produce a 'first-dose' phenomenon. Some patients develop significant hypotension shortly after administration of the first dose. The first dose response (acute postural hypotension) of prazosin may be exaggerated in patients who are receiving beta-adrenergic blockers, diuretics, or other antihypertensive agents. Concomitant administration of prazosin with other antihypertensive agents is not prohibited, however. This can be therapeutically advantageous, but lower dosages of each agent should be used.
Pregabalin: (Major) Initiate pregabalin at the lowest recommended dose and monitor patients for symptoms of sedation and somnolence during coadministration of pregabalin and clonidine. Concomitant use of pregabalin with clonidine may cause additive CNS depression. Educate patients about the risks and symptoms of excessive CNS depression.
Prilocaine; Epinephrine: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and heart rate during concomitant clonidine and epinephrine use. Clonidine may potentiate the pressor effects of epinephrine.
Procainamide: (Moderate) Procainamide can decrease blood pressure and should be used cautiously in patients receiving antihypertensive agents. Intravenous administration of procainamide is more likely to cause hypotensive effects.
Procaine: (Moderate) Local anesthetics may cause additive hypotension in combination with antihypertensive agents.
Prochlorperazine: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness or excessive sedation during concomitant central-acting adrenergic agent and phenothiazine use. Concomitant use increases the risk for additive hypotension and CNS depression.
Promethazine: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness or excessive sedation during concomitant central-acting adrenergic agent and phenothiazine use. Concomitant use increases the risk for additive hypotension and CNS depression.
Promethazine; Dextromethorphan: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness or excessive sedation during concomitant central-acting adrenergic agent and phenothiazine use. Concomitant use increases the risk for additive hypotension and CNS depression.
Promethazine; Phenylephrine: (Major) The cardiovascular effects of sympathomimetics, such as phenylephrine, may reduce the antihypertensive effects produced by clonidine. Blood pressure and heart rates should be monitored closely to confirm that the desired antihypertensive effect is achieved. (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness or excessive sedation during concomitant central-acting adrenergic agent and phenothiazine use. Concomitant use increases the risk for additive hypotension and CNS depression.
Propofol: (Moderate) General anesthetics can potentiate the hypotensive effects of antihypertensive agents. Reduced dosages of antihypertensives may be required during heavy sedation.
Protriptyline: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness or excess sedation during coadministration of clonidine and tricyclic antidepressants. Concomitant use may result in reduced hypotensive effect of clonidine and additive CNS depression.
Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Pseudoephedrine; Triprolidine: (Moderate) Sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, can antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine when administered concomitantly. Patients should be monitored for loss of blood pressure control.
Quazepam: (Moderate) Clonidine has CNS depressive effects and can potentiate the actions of other CNS depressants including benzodiazepines.
Quetiapine: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness and sedation during coadministration of clonidine and quetiapine. Coadministration may induce or exacerbate orthostatic regulation disturbances, such as orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, or fatigue, as well as produce additive CNS depression.
Quinidine: (Moderate) Quinidine can decrease blood pressure and should be used cautiously in patients receiving antihypertensive agents due to the potential for additive hypotension.
Rasagiline: (Moderate) Orthostatic hypotension has been reported during administration of rasagiline; caution is advised during concurrent use with antihypertensive agents. Patients receiving rasagiline in combination with an antihypertensive should be instructed to rise slowly from a sitting position, and to report syncope, and changes in heart rate or blood pressure to their health care provider. Rasagiline is a selective MAO-B inhibitor at manufacturer recommended doses; therefore, serious hypertensive reactions with agents affecting catecholamine release (e.g., guanabenz, reserpine, guanethidine) are unlikely.
Remimazolam: (Moderate) Clonidine has CNS depressive effects and can potentiate the actions of other CNS depressants including benzodiazepines.
Repaglinide: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Risperidone: (Moderate) Risperidone may induce orthostatic hypotension and thus enhance the hypotensive effects of antihypertensive agents. Lower initial doses or slower dose titration of risperidone may be necessary in patients receiving antihypertensive agents concomitantly.
Semaglutide: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Sevoflurane: (Moderate) General anesthetics can potentiate the hypotensive effects of antihypertensive agents. Reduced dosages of antihypertensives may be required during heavy sedation.
SGLT2 Inhibitors: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Silodosin: (Moderate) During clinical trials with silodosin, the incidence of dizziness and orthostatic hypotension was higher in patients receiving concomitant antihypertensive treatment. Thus, caution is advisable when silodosin is administered with antihypertensive agents.
Stiripentol: (Moderate) Monitor for excessive sedation and somnolence during coadministration of stiripentol and clonidine. CNS depressants can potentiate the effects of stiripentol.
Sulfonylureas: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Temazepam: (Moderate) Clonidine has CNS depressive effects and can potentiate the actions of other CNS depressants including benzodiazepines.
Tetrabenazine: (Moderate) Tetrabenazine may induce orthostatic hypotension and thus enhance the hypotensive effects of antihypertensive agents. Lower initial doses or slower dose titration of tetrabenazine may be necessary in patients receiving antihypertensive agents concomitantly.
Tetracaine: (Moderate) Local anesthetics may cause additive hypotension in combination with antihypertensive agents. Use extreme caution with the concomitant use of tetracaine and antihypertensive agents.
Thiazolidinediones: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Thiethylperazine: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness or excessive sedation during concomitant central-acting adrenergic agent and phenothiazine use. Concomitant use increases the risk for additive hypotension and CNS depression.
Thioridazine: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness or excessive sedation during concomitant central-acting adrenergic agent and phenothiazine use. Concomitant use increases the risk for additive hypotension and CNS depression.
Thiothixene: (Moderate) Thiothixene should be used cautiously in patients receiving antihypertensive agents. Additive hypotensive effects are possible.
Tirzepatide: (Minor) Increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring may be required when clonidine is given with antidiabetic agents. Since clonidine inhibits the release of catecholamines, clonidine may hide symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes. Other symptoms, like headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, or hunger are not blunted. Clonidine does not appear to impair recovery from hypoglycemia, and has not been found to impair glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Tizanidine: (Major) The use of tizanidine with other alpha 2-adrenergic agonists (such as central-acting adrenergic agonist antihypertensive agents) should be avoided because hypotensive effects may be cumulative. Tizanidine is an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist that can produce hypotension. Syncope has been reported in the postmarketing setting.
Trandolapril; Verapamil: (Moderate) Avoid concomitant use of verapamil and extended-release clonidine tablets. Monitor heart rate during concomitant use of verapamil and other clonidine formulations. Concomitant use may potentiate bradycardia and risk of AV block. Sinus bradycardia resulting in hospitalization and pacemaker insertion has been reported during the use of verapamil and clonidine.
Trazodone: (Moderate) Monitor for unusual drowsiness or excess sedation during coadministration of clonidine and trazodone due to risk for additive CNS depression.
Triazolam: (Moderate) Clonidine has CNS depressive effects and can potentiate the actions of other CNS depressants including benzodiazepines.
Tricyclic antidepressants: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness or excess sedation during coadministration of clonidine and tricyclic antidepressants. Concomitant use may result in reduced hypotensive effect of clonidine and additive CNS depression.
Trifluoperazine: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness or excessive sedation during concomitant central-acting adrenergic agent and phenothiazine use. Concomitant use increases the risk for additive hypotension and CNS depression.
Trimipramine: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and for unusual drowsiness or excess sedation during coadministration of clonidine and tricyclic antidepressants. Concomitant use may result in reduced hypotensive effect of clonidine and additive CNS depression.
Verapamil: (Moderate) Avoid concomitant use of verapamil and extended-release clonidine tablets. Monitor heart rate during concomitant use of verapamil and other clonidine formulations. Concomitant use may potentiate bradycardia and risk of AV block. Sinus bradycardia resulting in hospitalization and pacemaker insertion has been reported during the use of verapamil and clonidine.
Ziprasidone: (Minor) Ziprasidone is a moderate antagonist of alpha-1 receptors and may cause orthostatic hypotension with or without tachycardia, dizziness, or syncope. Additive hypotensive effects are possible if ziprasidone is used concurrently with antihypertensive agents.