Treating severe pain. Clonidine is used with opiates in cancer patients for whom opioid (narcotic) analgesics alone have not been adequately effective. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Clonidine is an alpha agonist analgesic. It works in the spinal cord by preventing pain signal transmission to the brain.
Do NOT use Clonidine if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in Clonidine
you are pregnant, in labor, or about to begin labor
you have bleeding problems
you have an infection at the injection site
you are taking an anticoagulant (eg, warfarin, heparin)
Before using Clonidine :
Some medical conditions may interact with Clonidine . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you: i
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
If you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
If you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
If you have kidney problems, porphyria, or depression
If you have blood vessel disease affecting the brain or severe heart disease, or you have had a stroke or a recent heart attack
If you are scheduled for surgery
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Clonidine . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), calcium channel blockers (eg, verapamil), or digitalis because a severe decrease in heart rate may occur
Tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because the effectiveness of Clonidine may be decreased and certain side effects may be increased
Anticoagulant therapy (eg, warfarin, heparin) because the risk of bleeding at the injection site may be increased
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur
How to use Clonidine :
Use Clonidine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Clonidine is usually given by continuous epidural infusion devices at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Clonidine at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Clonidine . Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
Do not use Clonidine if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
Do not suddenly stop taking Clonidine . You may have an increased risk of side effects (eg, excessive elevations in blood pressure, nervousness, headache, confusion). If you need to stop Clonidine or add a new medicine, your doctor will gradually lower your dose.
Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
Important safety information:
Clonidine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Clonidine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Clonidine ; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
Clonidine may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
Do not suddenly stop taking Clonidine . Doing so may cause withdrawal symptoms like nervousness, irritability, or shakiness. You could also get a headache and high blood pressure. The risk of these effects may be greater if you have been taking high doses of Clonidine . The risk may also be greater if you are taking a beta-blocker (eg, atenolol). Rarely, very serious effects like increased blood pressure in the brain, stroke, or death have occurred. Check with your doctor before you change your dose or stop Clonidine .
If you experience dry mouth, use candy or gum, or melt bits of ice in your mouth.
Use Clonidine with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness.
Clonidine should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed. Use is limited to patients old enough to tolerate placement and management of an epidural catheter.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Clonidine while you are pregnant. Clonidine is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Clonidine , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
If you stop taking Clonidine suddenly, you may have WITHDRAWAL symptoms. These may include nervousness, agitation, headache, tremor, and rapid increase in blood pressure.
Possible side effects of Clonidine :
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Chest pain; confusion; constipation; drowsiness; dry mouth; flushing; general weakness; headache; nausea; ringing in the ears; sweating; tiredness; vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; decreased heartbeat; dizziness; fainting; fever; hallucinations; lightheadedness; painful burning on urination
Last Modified April 29 2007