Clonidine: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Clonidine is a blood pressure-lowering medicine used to treat hypertension, which means high blood pressure; its pharmacological class is not specified in the label. Clonidine hydrochloride tablets may be used alone or alongside other medicines for high blood pressure. It requires a prescription in the United Kingdom, and generic clonidine is available.

Clonidine hydrochloride tablets are indicated for treating hypertension, the medical term for high blood pressure. The label allows these tablets to be used on their own or together with other medicines that lower blood pressure.

Treatment is adjusted according to the person's blood pressure response, rather than using the same amount for everyone. The tablet indication described here is high blood pressure; it does not establish uses for the other available forms of clonidine.

The label lists oral tablets in strengths of 0.05 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.2 mg and 0.3 mg, and extended-release tablets of 0.1 mg and 0.17 mg. Other available forms include oral liquids, patches and injections. The usual starting dose is 0.1 mg twice daily, in the morning and at bedtime, for adults using the hypertension tablets.

The label lists increases of 0.1 mg per day at weekly intervals if needed. The label lists commonly used maintenance doses ranging from 0.2 mg to 0.6 mg per day in divided doses. The label lists 2.4 mg as the maximum effective daily dose, which has rarely been used.

Dosing is adjusted to the individual's blood pressure response. Older people and people with impaired kidney function may benefit from a lower initial dose.

People with impaired kidney function need careful monitoring. These tablet dosing facts do not describe dosing for the other forms.

Clonidine acts on signalling pathways in the brain that help control blood pressure. It reduces some of the nerve messages that normally make blood vessels tighten and the heart work harder.

With less of this nerve activity, blood vessels can relax and blood pressure can fall. This action on the nervous system also helps explain why sleepiness and a slower heart rate can occur during treatment.

Clonidine crosses the placenta. There are no adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women, and animal studies do not always predict effects in humans. The label states that clonidine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Breastfeeding information is not specified in the label. Discuss pregnancy or breastfeeding with a doctor or pharmacist.

A missed dose can interrupt blood pressure control. Follow the missed-dose advice on the dispensing label, or ask a pharmacist if unsure.

Do not double a dose to make up for a missed dose. Contact the prescriber if doses are repeatedly missed or vomiting prevents use, because abrupt interruption can cause withdrawal and a rapid rise in blood pressure.

The tablet label specifies storage at 25°C in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep the container securely closed and follow the dispensing label to maintain quality. Keep medicines out of the sight and reach of children.