Health Library

Clonidine hydrochloride (By mouth)

Clonidine Hydrochloride (KLOE-ni-deen hye-droe-KLOR-ide)

Treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. Take this medicine at bedtime.
• Oral liquid:
  • Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.
  • Place the bottle on a flat surface. Remove the cap by pressing and turning it counterclockwise.
  • Hold the bottle firmly and insert the ridged end of the bottle adapter into the neck of the bottle. Push the bottle adapter all the way down with your thumb until the top of the adapter is aligned and flat with the top of the bottle. Do not remove the bottle adapter once inserted. Put the cap back on and close it by turning the cap clockwise.
  • Gently shake the bottle with a smooth up and down motion for at least 10 seconds before you take each dose. Place the bottle upright on the table or counter and open the cap again.
  • Check the oral dosing syringe to find the correct dose in milliliters (mL) that has been prescribed. Insert the tip of the syringe through the bottle adapter. Push the plunger all the way down.
  • Hold the syringe in place and turn the bottle upside down. Pull the plunger down until you reached the prescribed dose. Push and pull the plunger a few times to make sure that there are no air bubbles. Tap the barrel of the syringe to get rid of any air bubbles.
  • Turn the bottle over and place it upright on a table or counter. Remove the syringe from the bottle adapter. Check that the correct dose was pulled up into the oral syringe.
  • Make sure your child is in a seated position. Tilt the head slightly upwards. Place the syringe into the mouth and point it toward the cheek. Have your child close his or her mouth tightly around the syringe and slowly push the plunger all the way down.
  • After all the medicine has been given, remove the oral syringe from the mouth. Clean the syringe after each use with tap water.
• Use only the brand of medicine your doctor prescribed. Other brands may not work the same way. If you are taking other brands of this medicine, your doctor may tell you to stop using other clonidine products. Do not switch between other clonidine products unless your doctor tells you to.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at regular dosing schedule. Do not take more of this medicine in a 24 hour period than your doctor prescribed for your daily dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Throw away any unused oral liquid 60 days after opening.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicine can affect how clonidine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Digoxin
  • Benzodiazepine medicine
  • Blood pressure medicine (including beta blockers, calcium channel blockers)
  • Medicine to treat depression (including TCAs)
  • Phenothiazine medicine
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, low or high blood pressure, heart disease (including slow heartbeat, heart rhythm problems), or a history of stroke or passing out (syncope).
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Slow heartbeat
  • Low or high blood pressure
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• This medicine may make you sleepy and tired. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Do not become dehydrated or too hot to decrease your chance of passing out during treatment with this medicine.
• This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blurred vision, headache, nervousness, pounding in the ear
• Dizziness, drowsiness, sleepiness, tiredness
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Slow heartbeat

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation
• Decreased appetite
• Dry mouth
• Trouble sleeping

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024