Clonidine is an antihypertensive drug, affecting the α2-adrenergic receptors of the central nervous system. It acts at the level of the central nervous system by reducing the activation of the sympathetic system, the cardiac rhythm and blood pressure. This is due to its ability to selectively activate the α2 presynaptic receptors of the central nervous system.
What is Clonidine?
It is usually prescribed in combination with diuretics for treating hypertension.
How should Clonidine be taken?
The intake of Clonidine usually occurs by oral route (it is easily absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract).
Side effects associated with Clonidine
The most common side effects caused by the assumption of Clonidine are:
- Gastrointestinal disorders: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, dry mouth
- Disorders of the nervous system: tiredness, confusion, perceptual disturbances, hallucinations, depression
- General malaise
- Dermatological disorders: skin rash, urticaria, pruritus, alopecia
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Clonidine
Given the lack of data on the effects of Clonidine on the fetus and infant during breastfeeding, it would be preferable to avoid intake in these two periods of a woman's life.
Due to the hypotensive effect of Clonidine, the drug can be potentiated by co-administration with other antihypertensive drugs. Special attention should be paid to the simultaneous administration of diuretics, calcium channel blockers, as well as ACE inhibitors. Conversely the therapeutic action of Clonidine may be inhibited from taking context of NSAIDs (NSAIDs), antidepressants or other drugs that increase sodium and water retention.
