Spasticity Ĭlonidine has some role in the treatment of spasticity, acting principally by inhibiting excessive sensory transmission below the level of injury. Ĭlonidine has also been suggested as a treatment for rare instances of dexmedetomidine withdrawal. In infants with neonatal withdrawal syndrome, clonidine may improve the neonatal intensive care unit Network Neurobehavioral Score. Clonidine may also reduce severity of neonatal abstinence syndrome in infants born to mothers that are using certain drugs, particularly opioids. It may also be helpful in aiding smokers to quit. 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. Drug withdrawal Ĭlonidine may be used to ease drug withdrawal symptoms associated with abruptly stopping the long-term use of opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines and nicotine. Clonidine has been used to reduce sleep disturbances in ADHD, including to help offset stimulant-associated insomnia. Some studies show clonidine to be more sedating than guanfacine, which may be better at bedtime along with an arousing stimulant in the morning. While not as effective as methylphenidate in treating ADHD, clonidine does offer some benefit it can also be useful in combination with stimulant medications. Clonidine, along with methylphenidate, has been studied for treatment of ADHD. In Australia, clonidine is an accepted but not approved use for ADHD by the TGA. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Ĭlonidine may improve symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in some people but causes many adverse effects and the beneficial effect is modest. Ĭlonidine works by slowing the pulse rate and exerts a reduction of serum concentrations of renin, aldosterone, and catecholamines. Resistant hypertension Ĭlonidine may be effective for lowering blood pressure in people with resistant hypertension. It also sees some use off-label for episodic insomnia, restless-legs syndrome, and anxiety, among other uses. Ĭlonidine is used to treat high blood pressure, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), drug withdrawal ( alcohol, opioids, or smoking), menopausal flushing, diarrhea, and certain pain conditions. In 2020, it was the 75th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 9 million prescriptions. Ĭlonidine was patented in 1961 and came into medical use in 1966. Clonidine lowers blood pressure by stimulating α 2 receptors in the brain, which results in relaxation of many arteries. Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not recommended. If rapidly stopped, withdrawal effects may occur. Severe side effects may include hallucinations, heart arrhythmias, and confusion. Ĭommon side effect include dry mouth, dizziness, headaches, hypotension, and sleepiness. Onset of action is typically within an hour with the effects on blood pressure lasting for up to eight hours. It is used by mouth, by injection, or as a skin patch. Clonidine, sold under the brand name Catapres among others, is an α 2-adrenergic agonist medication used to treat high blood pressure, ADHD, drug withdrawal ( alcohol, opioids, or nicotine), menopausal flushing, diarrhea, spasticity, and certain pain conditions.
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