Clonidine is a alfa 2 adrenergic agonist medication used to treat high blood pressure, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, drug withdrawal (alcohol, opioids, or nicotine), menopausal flushing, diarrhea, spasticity and certain pain conditions.
It also has several off-label uses, and has been prescribed to treat psychiatric disorders including stress, sleep disorders, and hyperarousal caused by post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder and other anxiety disorders.
Clonidine is also a mild sedative, and can be used as premedication before surgery or procedures.
Its epidural use for pain during heart attack, postoperative and intractable pain has also been studied extensively.
Clonidine can be used in
- restless legs syndrome
- to treat facial flushing and redness associated with rosacea
- as a treatment for diabetic neuropathy
- for migraine headaches and hot flashes associated with menopause
- to treat refractory diarrhea associated with irritable bowel syndrome, fecal incontinence, diabetes, diarrhea associated with opioid withdrawal, intestinal failure, neuroendocrine tumors, and cholera
- in the treatment of Tourette syndrome (specifically for tics)
It has also had some success in clinical trials for helping to remove or ameliorate the symptoms of hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD).
Clonidine may be effective for lowering blood pressure in people with resistant hypertension.
It works by slowing the pulse rate and exerts a reduction of serum concentrations of renin, aldosterone and catecholamines.
Clonidine may be used to ease drug withdrawal symptoms associated with abruptly stopping the long-term use of opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines and nicotine. It can alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms by reducing the sympathetic nervous system response such as tachycardia and hypertension, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), hot and cold flashes, and akathisia. It may also be helpful in aiding smokers to quit.
