Clonidine is an over-the-counter medicine used to prevent the onset of migraines.
Pronunciation: KLOH-nih-deen
What are clonidine’s uses?
Clonidine is used to prevent the onset of migraines.
Its other benefit is as a treatment for menopausal hot flushes.
What dosage should you take?
The typical dose for adults is 25mcg twice daily.
Children under 12 should not take clonidine.
However, first check the correct dosages with your Clicks pharmacist.
What special precautions should you take?
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while using clonidine, as it could impair functioning.
- Avoid alcohol while taking clonidine as it may enhance any sedative effects.
- If you wear contact lenses, you may need to use eye drops as clonidine may cause dry eyes.
- Be aware that standing or sitting up too quickly, exercise and hot weather may intensify certain side effects of clonidine such as light-headedness.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, rather avoid clonidine unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Clonidine should be avoided if you have any of the following conditions:
- Porphyria (a group of rare genetic disorders that affect mainly the skin or nervous system)
- A history of depression
Clonidine should be used with caution if you have any of the following conditions:
- Liver or kidney impairment
- You have cardiovascular (heart) problems or have recently had a heart attack or stroke
- High blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension)
- You have scheduled surgery
- Impaired respiratory function
What drug interactions could you experience?
To avoid adverse drug interactions, always inform your doctor or Clicks pharmacist what prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking or planning to take.
What are clonidine’s side effects?
Side effects could include:
- Drowziness
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Dry mouth and/or eyes
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Skin rash
- Sexual dysfunction
- Exfoliative dermatitis (inflammation of the skin)
- Impaired judgement
This is not a complete list of side effects. It’s essential that you call your doctor should you notice any severe or odd side effects.
What are the overdose symptoms?
Call a doctor or an ambulance immediately if you notice the following symptoms:
- Respiratory depression (hyperventilating)
- Arrhythmia (irregular beating of the heart)
- Apnoea (suspension of breathing)
- Seizures
- Coma