Clonidine
Brand names: Catapres
Clonidine is a centrally acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used in anaesthesia and intensive care as an adjunct for sedation, analgesia and the management of hypertension and withdrawal states.
The product information we hold does not support a dose for this page's specific use, route or population, so none is shown. Follow your local or national guideline, and confirm against the product SmPC.
The licensed dosing — for the medicine's licensed uses, which may differ from this page's — is on Clonidine hydrochloride.
Clinical monograph
How it works
It stimulates central alpha-2 adrenoceptors, reducing sympathetic outflow to lower blood pressure and heart rate, and contributes sedative and analgesic-sparing effects.
Prescribing in practice
- Do not stop clonidine abruptly, as sudden withdrawal can precipitate rebound hypertension and tachycardia; taper when discontinuing.
- It commonly causes hypotension, bradycardia and sedation, which may be additive with other anaesthetic and sedative agents.
- Use cautiously in patients with bradyarrhythmias, cardiovascular instability or significant cerebrovascular disease.
Monitoring
Monitor blood pressure, heart rate and level of sedation during therapy and when adjusting or stopping the drug.
Counselling the patient
- Team: avoid abrupt cessation to prevent rebound hypertension.
- Patient: dizziness, drowsiness and dry mouth are common; rise slowly from lying or sitting.
Evidence & guidelines
Its use as an alpha-2 agonist adjunct for perioperative sympathetic stabilisation and analgesia is well established in anaesthetic practice.
Reference: Miller's Anaesthesia; Eisenach JC (Anesthesiology review); Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.