medication

Clonidine

Also known as: Catapres

Evidence: High · 100%
Chemical structure of Clonidine (PubChem CID 2803)
Structure via PubChem
Half-life
12 h
Typical timing
bedtime
Food rule
either
Default unit
mcg

Studied for

Overview

Clonidine is a prescription medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), certain pain conditions, and withdrawal symptoms from opioids or alcohol. Available in oral tablet and transdermal patch forms, clonidine works by affecting specific receptors in the brain to reduce heart rate and relax blood vessels. Clonidine is often prescribed as a standalone treatment or in combination with other medications. Its use requires professional medical supervision because of potential side effects and interactions. The dosage and form of administration depend on the condition being treated and individual patient factors. It is essential to adhere strictly to a healthcare provider's instructions when using clonidine.

Deep dive

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Known interactions

  • Category rule: supplement × medication
    Note

    Some supplements change how the body processes medications (absorption, liver enzymes, or additive effects).

    Specific pairs are checked against a licensed drug database and shown with their own severity. Always confirm with your provider or pharmacist.

  • Category rule: vitamin × medication
    Note

    Certain vitamins interact with specific medications (e.g., vitamin K with blood thinners).

    Specific pairs are checked against a licensed source; confirm with your provider.

Frequently asked

Sources referenced

["NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS)", "MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine)", "PubChem (National Library of Medicine)", "Mayo Clinic", "FDA Label (for specific products like Kapvay)", "EMA Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)", "Cochrane Library", "DrugBank"]

DoseRoutine compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician.

Cite this page

Using this in an article, AI answer, or research note? Please attribute:

DoseRoutine. (2026). Clonidine — Overview, Benefits & Side Effects. Retrieved from https://doseroutine.com/library/clonidine
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