Clonidine

Generic Name: clonidine

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Clonidine

11 DESCRIPTION Clonidine hydrochloride extended-release is a centrally acting alpha 2 -adrenergic agonist available as 0.1 mg extended-release tablets for oral administration. Each 0.1 mg tablet is equivalent to 0.087 mg of the free base. The inactive ingredients are povidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, colloidal silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Clonidine hydrochloride extended-release is a centrally acting alpha 2 -adrenergic agonist available as 0.1 mg extended-release tablets for oral administration. Each 0.1 mg tablet is equivalent to 0.087 mg of the free base. The inactive ingredients are povidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, colloidal silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets is a centrally acting alpha 2 -adrenergic agonist indicated for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as monotherapy or as adjunctive therapy to stimulant medications. ( 1 ) Clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets are indicated for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as monotherapy and as adjunctive therapy to stimulant medications [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )].

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Start with one 0.1 mg tablet at bedtime for one week. Increase daily dosage in increments of 0.1 mg/day at weekly intervals until the desired response is achieved. Take twice a day, with either an equal or higher split dosage being given at bedtime, as depicted below ( 2.2 ) Total Daily Dose M orning Dose Bedtime Dose 0.1 mg/day 0.1 mg 0.2 mg/day 0.1 mg 0.1 mg 0.3 mg/day 0.1 mg 0.2 mg 0.4 mg/day 0.2 mg 0.2 mg Do not crush, chew or break tablet before swallowing. ( 2.1 ) Do not substitute for other clonidine products on a mg-per-mg basis, because of differing pharmacokinetic profiles. ( 2.1 ) When discontinuing, taper the dose in decrements of no more than 0.1 mg every 3 to 7 days to avoid rebound hypertension.

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions (incidence at least 5% and twice the rate of placebo) as monotherapy in ADHD: somnolence, fatigue, irritability, nightmare, insomnia, constipation, dry mouth. ( 6.1 ) Most common adverse reactions (incidence at least 5% and twice the rate of placebo) as adjunct therapy to psychostimulant in ADHD: somnolence, fatigue, decreased appetite, dizziness. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Ingenus Pharmaceuticals, LLC Toll-Free at 1-877-748-1970 o r FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • Sedating Drugs: Clonidine may potentiate the CNS-depressive effects of alcohol, barbiturates or other sedating drugs. ( 7 ) • Tricyclic Antidepressants: May reduce the hypotensive effect of clonidine. ( 7 ) • Drugs Known to Affect Sinus Node Function or AV Nodal Conduction: Caution is warranted in patients receiving clonidine concomitantly with agents known to affect sinus node function or AV nodal conduction (e.g., digitalis, calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers) due to a potential for additive effects such as bradycardia and AV block. ( 7 ) • Antihypertensive drugs: Use caution when coadministered with clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets.

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Hypotension/bradycardia/syncope: Titrate slowly and monitor vital signs frequently in patients at risk for hypotension, heart block, bradycardia, syncope, cardiovascular disease, vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease or chronic renal failure. Measure heart rate and blood pressure prior to initiation of therapy, following dose increases, and periodically while on therapy. Avoid concomitant use of drugs with additive effects unless clinically indicated. Advise patients to avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated. ( 5.1 ) • Somnolence/Sedation: Has been observed with clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets. Consider the potential for additive sedative effects with CNS depressant drugs. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS History of a hypersensitivity reaction to clonidine. Reactions have included generalized rash, urticaria, angioedema.( 4 ) Clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets are contraindicated in patients with a history of a hypersensitivity reaction to clonidine. Reactions have included generalized rash, urticaria, and angioedema [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )].

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to ADHD medications, including clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets, during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for ADHD Medications at 1-866-961-2388 or visiting https://womensmentalhealth.org/adhd-medications/.

Storage

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets are white or off white, non-scored, round biconvex with debossing ("NL 7") on one side. NDC 50742-247-30 – 0.1 mg round tablets supplied in bottles containing 30 tablets. NDC 50742-247-60 – 0.1 mg round tablets supplied in bottles containing 60 tablets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clonidine used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets is a centrally acting alpha 2 -adrenergic agonist indicated for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as monotherapy or as adjunctive therapy to stimulant medications. ( 1 ) Clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets are indicated for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as monotherapy and as adjunctive therapy to stimulant medications [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )].

What are the side effects of Clonidine?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions (incidence at least 5% and twice the rate of placebo) as monotherapy in ADHD: somnolence, fatigue, irritability, nightmare, insomnia, constipation, dry mouth. ( 6.1 ) Most common adverse reactions (incidence at least 5% and twice the rate of placebo) as adjunct therapy to psychostimulant in ADHD: somnolence, fatigue, decreased appetite, dizziness. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Ingenus Pharmaceuticals, LLC Toll-Free at 1-877-748-1970 o r FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

Can I take Clonidine during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to ADHD medications, including clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets, during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for ADHD Medications at 1-866-961-2388 or visiting https://womensmentalhealth.org/adhd-medications/.

What are the important warnings for Clonidine?

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Hypotension/bradycardia/syncope: Titrate slowly and monitor vital signs frequently in patients at risk for hypotension, heart block, bradycardia, syncope, cardiovascular disease, vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease or chronic renal failure. Measure heart rate and blood pressure prior to initiation of therapy, following dose increases, and periodically while on therapy. Avoid concomitant use of drugs with additive effects unless clinically indicated. Advise patients to avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated. ( 5.1 ) • Somnolence/Sedation: Has been observed with clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets. Consider the potential for additive sedative effects with CNS depressant drugs. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS History of a hypersensitivity reaction to clonidine. Reactions have included generalized rash, urticaria, angioedema.( 4 ) Clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets are contraindicated in patients with a history of a hypersensitivity reaction to clonidine. Reactions have included generalized rash, urticaria, and angioedema [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )].

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.