Clonidine

Also indexed as: Apo-Clonidine®, Catapres®, Dixarit®, Duraclon®, Novo-Clonidine®, Nu-Clonidine®

Combination drug: Combipres®

Clonidine is a drug that blocks signals in the brain controlling heart rate and blood pressure. It is used to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. It is available alone in oral tablets, skin patches (Catapres®-TTS), and in a form for intravenous (iv) injection; and in an oral combination product. Clonidine is used with narcotics to treat severe pain and as an adjunct to alcohol withdrawal, narcotic detoxification, and giving up smoking.

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, a herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.

May be Beneficial: Supportive interaction—Taking these supplements may support or otherwise help your medication work better.	DHEA*
Depletion or interference	None known
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known
Adverse interaction	None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Dietary Supplements

DHEA
DHEA supplementation (50 mg per day) has been shown to restore the response of beta-endorphin (a brain chemical involved in pain and pleasure sensations) to clonidine.¹

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

Alcohol
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Clonidine may intensify these effects, increasing the risk of accidental injury.² To avoid problems, people taking clonidine should avoid alcohol.

References
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1. Stomati M, Rubino S, Spinetti A, et al. Endocrine, neuroendocrine and behavioral effects of oral dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate supplementation in postmenopausal women. Gynecol Endocrinol 1999;13:15–25.

2. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Central Analgesics, Clonidine HCl. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Mar 1997, 246g–6k.

Please read the disclaimer about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.

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Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds