Clonidine (Catapres and Kapvay)

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Generic name: Clonidine (KLON i deen)

• Clonidine hydrochloride — immediate release
  • Tablets: 0.1 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.3 mg

Brand names:

• Catapres-TTS® (clonidine hydrochloride) — extended release transdermal
  • Patch: 0.1 mg/24hr, 0.2 mg/24hr, 0.3 mg/24hr
• Kapvay® (clonidine) — extended release
  • Tablets: 0.1 mg

All FDA warnings are at the end of this fact sheet. Please consult them before taking this medication.

What is clonidine and what does it treat?

Clonidine is a non-stimulant prescription medication that is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Clonidine is also used to treat high blood pressure in both children and adults.

Symptoms of ADHD interfere with an individual’s ability to function at school or work or in social settings and include:

• Inattention (e.g., making careless mistakes, losing things necessary for tasks)
• Hyperactivity (e.g., inability to sit still)
• Impulsivity (e.g., interrupting or intruding on others)

A person may have severe inattention without hyperactivity or impulsivity.

Clonidine is used in addition to non-medication treatments to manage ADHD symptoms.

What is the most important information I should know about clonidine?

Although some symptoms may improve within days of starting clonidine, it may take several weeks before you notice the full benefits of the medication.

Do not stop taking the medicine without talking to your prescriber. Slow dose decreases are needed if the medication is being stopped.

Are there specific concerns about clonidine and pregnancy?

If you are planning on becoming pregnant, notify your health care provider so that he/she can best manage your medications. People living with ADHD who wish to become pregnant face important decisions. There are no well-controlled studies of clonidine use in pregnant women. Animal studies did not demonstrate evidence of fetal harm. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your health care providers.

Regarding breastfeeding, caution is advised since clonidine does pass into breast milk.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking clonidine?

• Symptoms of your condition that bother you the most
• If you have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself
• If you experience side effects from your medications as some side effects pass with time, but others may require changes in the medication.
• Any other psychiatric or medical problems you have, including heart, kidney, or cerebrovasuclar disease
• All other medications you are currently taking (including over the counter products, herbal and nutritional supplements) and any medication allergies you have
• Other non-medication treatment you are receiving, such as talk therapy or substance abuse treatment. Your provider can explain how these different treatments work with the medication.
• If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• If you drink alcohol or use drugs
• If you wear contact lenses as clonidine may cause eye dryness.

How should I take clonidine?

• Clonidine is usually taken one to two times per day with or without food.
• The dose usually ranges from 0.1 mg to 0.4 mg per day. Only your health care provider can determine the correct dose for you.
• Transdermal patches should be applied weekly at the same time to a clean, hairless area of the upper outer arm or chest. Rotate patch sites weekly. Throw out any used or unused patches by folding adhesive ends together, putting it back in the pouch or sealed container, and placing in trash away from children and pets.
• Extended release tablets (Kapvay®) should not be crushed, chewed or cut. Swallow the tablet whole.

What happens if I miss a dose of clonidine?

If you miss a dose of clonidine take it as soon as you remember, unless it is closer to the time of your next dose. Discuss this with your health care provider. Do not double your next dose or take more than what is prescribed.

What should I avoid while taking clonidine?

Clonidine may cause dizziness or drowsiness, especially when first starting the medication. Make sure you know how you react to the medication before you drive, operate machinery, or participate in other activities that may be dangerous if you are not alert.

Avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs while you are taking this medication. They may decrease the benefits (e.g., worsen your condition) and increase adverse effects (e.g., sedation) of the medication.

What happens if I overdose with clonidine?

If an overdose occurs call your doctor or 911. You may need urgent medical care. You may also contact the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdosing with clonidine may cause sleepiness, dizziness, low blood pressure and slow heart rate.

A specific treatment to reverse the effects of clonidine does not exist.

What are the possible side effects of clonidine?

Common side effects

• Sleepiness, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, irritability
• ​Low blood pressure
• Nausea, stomach pain, dry mouth, constipation, and decreased appetite

Rare side effects

• Very low blood pressure or heart rate
• ​Fainting

Are there any risks for taking clonidine for long periods of time?

There are no known problems associated with long term use of clonidine.

What other medications may interact with clonidine?

The following medications may increase the effects of clonidine:

• Medications that lower blood pressure or cause sedation (sleepiness)
• Other products containing clonidine or guanfacine (e.g., Intuniv®)

How long does it take for clonidine to work?

It may take 4 – 8 weeks to get the maximum benefit once the right dose is determined. However, improvements in some symptoms may occur sooner. Your health care provider may also need to adjust gradually the dose to find the dose that works best for you.

Summary of Black Box Warnings

Clonidine does not have any Black Box Warnings.

Last Reviewed: January 2024

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Important Disclosure: This information is being provided as a community outreach effort of the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists. This information is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. This information contains a summary of important points and is not an exhaustive review of information about the medication. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding medications or medical conditions. Never delay seeking professional medical advice or disregard medical professional advice as a result of any information provided herein. The American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists disclaims any and all liability alleged as a result of the information provided herein.

©2023 The American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). AAPP and NAMI make this document available under the Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Last Updated: January 2016.