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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 — not shown for this use

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 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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