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Alpha-2 Adrenoceptor Agonist (ADHD / Opioid Withdrawal / Tic Disorders)

Clonidine

Brand names: Catapres, Dixarit

Clonidine is a centrally-acting agent used in psychiatry for indications such as the management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (typically under specialist supervision) and to attenuate symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It is a central alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist that reduces sympathetic outflow, lowering noradrenergic tone and thereby easing withdrawal-related autonomic symptoms.

Prescribing in practice

  • Abrupt withdrawal can cause rebound hypertension and agitation, so treatment must be tapered rather than stopped suddenly.
  • It commonly causes hypotension, bradycardia and sedation, requiring caution with other hypotensive or sedating drugs.
  • When used in children and young people it should be initiated and monitored by a specialist, with attention to cardiovascular effects.

Monitoring

Monitor blood pressure, heart rate and sedation, and review cardiovascular status during initiation and dose changes.

Counselling the patient

  • Do not stop this medicine suddenly, as your blood pressure could rise sharply.
  • It may make you feel drowsy or dizzy, especially when standing up.
  • Report a slow heartbeat or fainting.

Evidence & guidelines

Clonidine is recognised in NICE guidance as a treatment option for ADHD and is used to ameliorate opioid-withdrawal symptoms.

Reference: NICE NG87 (ADHD); NICE NG88 (Tourette syndrome); UK Drug Misuse and Dependence Guidelines 2017 (opioid withdrawal); 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.

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