clonidine hydrochloride
Pharmaranks rates Clonidine Hydrochloride 3.6/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Clonidine Hydrochloride is a central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Diarrhea, Dysmenorrhea, Tourette Syndrome.
Central Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist · by Actavis Elizabeth
Generic of Onyda XR
Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Clonidine Hydrochloride
- Drug class
- Central Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist
- Form
- Injectable, Tablet, Tablet, extended release
- Strength
- Clonidine Hydrochloride 0.1MG · Clonidine Hydrochloride 0.2MG
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Generic
- Manufacturer
- Actavis Elizabeth
- Half-life
- about 12 to 16 hours (how long it stays in your system)
- What the pharmacy pays
- ~$1.05 for 30 — not your price
- FDA application
- ANDA203320
What is Clonidine Hydrochloride?
From the FDA label: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 colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, red iron oxide, sodium lauryl sulfate and titanium dioxide. The formulation is designed to delay the absorption of active drug in order to decrease peak to trough plasma concentration differences. Clonidine hydrochloride, USP is an imidazoline derivative and exists as a mesomeric compound. The chemical name is 2-(2,6-dichlorophenylamino)-2-imidazoline hydrochloride. The following is the structural formula: Clonidine hydrochloride, USP is an odorless, bitter, white, crystalline substance soluble in water and alcohol. Product meets Dissolution Test 4. bceb3bbb-figure-03
How to use
Clonidine Hydrochloride is sold in more than one form (Injectable, Tablet and Tablet, extended release), and each is dosed differently. The instructions below come from the FDA label for application ANDA203320 — follow the label that came with the product you were actually prescribed.
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 Morning 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. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 General Dosing Information Clonidine hydrochloride is an extended-release tablet to be taken orally with or without food. Swallow tablets whole. Do not crush, chew, or break tablets because this will increase the rate of clonidine release. Due to the lack of controlled clinical trial data and differing pharmacokinetic profiles, substitution of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets for other clonidine products on a mg-per-mg basis is not recommended [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 2.2 Dose Selection The dose of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets administered either as monotherapy or as adjunctive therapy to a psychostimulant,…
Side effects
The following serious adverse reactions are described in greater detail elsewhere in labeling: Hypotension/bradycardia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Sedation and somnolence [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Rebound hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Allergic reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Cardiac Conduction Abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] 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 Teva at 1-888-838-2872 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trial Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Two clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablet ADHD clinical studies (Study 1, CLON-301 and Study 2, CLON-302) evaluated 256 patients in two 8-week placebo-controlled studies. A third…
Warnings
Important safety information
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. Caution patients against operating heavy equipment or driving until they know how they respond to clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets. ( 5.2 ) Cardiac Conduction Abnormalities: May worsen sinus node dysfunction and atrioventricular (AV) block, especially in patients taking other sympatholytic drugs. Titrate slowly and monitor vital signs frequently. ( 5.5 ) 5.1 Hypotension/Bradycardia Treatment with clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets can cause dose-related decreases in blood pressure and heart rate [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Measure heart rate and blood pressure prior to initiation of therapy, following dose increases, and periodically while on therapy. Titrate clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets slowly in patients with a history of hypotension, and those with underlying conditions that may be worsened by hypotension and bradycardia; e.g., heart block, bradycardia, cardiovascular disease, vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, or chronic renal failure. In patients who have a history of syncope or may have a condition that predisposes them to syncope, such as hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, or dehydration, advise patients to avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated. Monitor blood pressure and heart rate, and adjust dosages accordingly in patients treated concomitantly with antihypertensives or other drugs that can reduce blood pressure or heart rate or increase the risk of syncope. 5.2 Sedation and Somnolence Somnolence and sedation were commonly reported adverse reactions in clinical studies. In patients that completed 5 weeks of therapy in a controlled, fixed dose pediatric monotherapy study, 31% of patients treated with 0.4 mg/day and 38% treated with 0.2 mg/day versus 4% of placebo treated patients reported somnolence as an adverse event. In patients that completed 5 weeks of therapy in a controlled flexible dose pediatric adjunctive to stimulants study, 19% of patients treated with clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets+stimulant versus 7% treated with placebo+stimulant reported somnolence. Before using clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets with other centrally active depressants (such as phenothiazines, barbiturates, or benzodiazepines), consider the potential for additive sedative effects. Caution patients against operating heavy equipment or driving until they know how they respond to treatment with clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets. Advise patients to avoid use with alcohol. 5.3 Rebound Hypertension Abrupt discontinuation of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets can cause rebound hypertension. In adults with hypertension, sudden cessation of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release formulation treatment in the 0.2 to 0.6 mg/day range resulted in reports of headache, tachycardia, nausea, flushing, warm feeling, brief lightheadedness, tightness in chest, and anxiety. In adults with hypertension, sudden cessation of treatment with immediate-release clonidine has, in some cases, resulted in symptoms such as nervousness, agitation, headache, and tremor accompanied or followed by a rapid rise in blood pressure and elevated catecholamine concentrations in the plasma. No studies evaluating abrupt discontinuation of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets in children with ADHD have been conducted; however, to minimize the risk of rebound hypertension, gradually reduce the dose of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets in decrements of no more than 0.1 mg every 3 to 7 days. Patients should be instructed not to discontinue clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablet therapy without consulting their physician due to the potential risk of withdrawal effects. 5.4 Allergic Reactions In patients who have developed localized contact sensitization to clonidine transdermal system, continuation of clonidine transdermal system or substitution of oral clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablet therapy may be associated with the development of a generalized skin rash. In patients who develop an allergic reaction from clonidine transdermal system, substitution of oral clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets may also elicit an allergic reaction (including generalized rash, urticaria, or angioedema). 5.5 Cardiac Conduction Abnormalities The sympatholytic action of clonidine may worsen sinus node dysfunction and atrioventricular (AV) block, especially in patients taking other sympatholytic drugs. There have been post-marketing reports of patients with conduction abnormalities and/or taking other sympatholytic drugs who developed severe bradycardia requiring IV atropine, IV isoproterenol, and temporary cardiac pacing while taking clonidine. Titrate clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets slowly and monitor vital signs frequently in patients with cardiac conduction abnormalities or patients concomitantly treated with other sympatholytic drugs.
Who should not take Clonidine Hydrochloride
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) ] . History of a hypersensitivity reaction to clonidine. Reactions have included generalized rash, urticaria, angioedema. ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
Symptoms Clonidine overdose: hypertension may develop early and may be followed by hypotension, bradycardia, respiratory depression, hypothermia, drowsiness, decreased or absent reflexes, weakness, irritability and miosis. The frequency of CNS depression may be higher in children than adults. Large overdoses may result in reversible cardiac conduction defects or dysrhythmias, apnea, coma and seizures. Signs and symptoms of overdose generally occur within 30 minutes to two hours after exposure. Treatment Consult with a Certified Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) for up-to-date guidance and advice.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
The following have been reported with other oral immediate release formulations of clonidine: Table 6 Clinically Important Drug Interactions Concomitant Drug Name or Drug Class Clinical Rationale Clinical Recommendation Tricyclic antidepressants Increase blood pressure and may counteract clonidine’s hypotensive effects Monitor blood pressure and adjust as needed Antihypertensive drugs Potentiate clonidine’s hypotensive effects Monitor blood pressure and adjust as needed CNS depressants Potentiate sedating effects Avoid use Drugs that affect sinus node function or AV node conduction (e.g., digitalis, calcium channel blockers, beta blockers) Potentiate bradycardia and risk of AV block Avoid use 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. ( 7 )
How long does Clonidine Hydrochloride stay in your body?
The elimination half-life of clonidine hydrochloride is about 12 to 16 hours — the time it takes the body to clear about half of it. As a rule of thumb, a medicine is mostly gone after roughly 4 to 5 half-lives, though this varies from person to person with age and kidney or liver function. The half-life gets much longer when the kidneys are not working well — up to about 41 hours in people with severe kidney impairment.
This is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t tell you when a drug test would read negative (tests detect substances for different, often longer, windows) or when it’s safe to take another dose — ask your pharmacist or prescriber. Source: Clonidine Hydrochloride Tablets, USP (DailyMed).
Drug class
How this class works, per Clonidine - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
- attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity
- diarrhea
- dysmenorrhea
- tourette syndrome
- glaucoma
- hypertension
See how Clonidine Hydrochloride ranks — best-rated central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist for:
Dosage forms
Injectable, Tablet and Tablet, extended release
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →
Request a 90-day supply
Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.
Use copay cards
Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.
Compare alternatives
A same-class option may cost less. See alternatives →
Frequently asked questions
- What does Clonidine Hydrochloride treat?
- Clonidine Hydrochloride (Clonidine Hydrochloride) may be used to treat attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity, diarrhea, dysmenorrhea, tourette syndrome, glaucoma, hypertension, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How does Clonidine Hydrochloride work?
- Clonidine Hydrochloride is a central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. These drugs activate alpha-2 receptors in the brainstem, which tells the nervous system to send out less norepinephrine and reduce sympathetic (fight-or-flight) signaling to the body. With less of this stimulation, blood vessels relax and heart rate slows, lowering blood pressure.
- How is Clonidine Hydrochloride rated?
- pharmaranks gives Clonidine Hydrochloride a composite score of 3.6 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
- How much does Clonidine Hydrochloride cost?
- Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $1.05 for 30, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Clonidine Hydrochloride?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Clonidine Hydrochloride. To pay less, Clonidine Hydrochloride is already a generic — usually the lowest-cost version — so the main levers are comparing cash prices between pharmacies and using a pharmacy discount-card service. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Clonidine Hydrochloride?
- Clonidine Hydrochloride is marketed by Actavis Elizabeth. You can see Actavis Elizabeth's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Clonidine Hydrochloride a brand-name or generic drug?
- Clonidine Hydrochloride is a generic medication; its active ingredient is Clonidine Hydrochloride. Generics contain the same active ingredient as the brand-name original and are usually lower cost.
- Is Clonidine Hydrochloride available over the counter?
- No. Clonidine Hydrochloride is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Clonidine Hydrochloride come in?
- Clonidine Hydrochloride is currently marketed as injectable, tablet and tablet, extended release, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Clonidine Hydrochloride?
- Clonidine Hydrochloride is classified as central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Clonidine Hydrochloride FDA-registered?
- Clonidine Hydrochloride is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number ANDA203320. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Has Clonidine Hydrochloride been recalled by the FDA?
- Clonidine Hydrochloride has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
- Is Clonidine Hydrochloride safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Clonidine Hydrochloride a recall-safety score of 72/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Clonidine Hydrochloride?
- Clonidine Hydrochloride's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following serious adverse reactions are described in greater detail elsewhere in labeling: Hypotension/bradycardia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Sedation and somnolence [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Rebound hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Allergic reactions [see… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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clonidine hydrochloride
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