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Clonidine

Also indexed as: Catapres®, Duraclon®

Combination drug: Combipres®

Clonidine is a drug that blocks signals in the brain controlling heart rate and blood pressure. It is used to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. It is available alone in oral tablets, skin patches (Catapres®-TTS), and in a form for intravenous (iv) injection; and in an oral combination product. Clonidine is used with narcotics to treat severe pain and as an adjunct to alcohol withdrawal, narcotic detoxification, and quitting smoking.

Interactions with Dietary Supplements

DHEA
DHEA supplementation (50 mg per day) has been shown to restore the response of beta-endorphin (a brain chemical involved in pain and pleasure sensations) to clonidine.1

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

Alcohol
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Clonidine may intensify these effects, increasing the risk of accidental injury.2 To avoid problems, people taking clonidine should avoid alcohol.

Summary of Interactions for Clonidine

Depletion or interference None known
Adverse interaction None known
Side effect reduction/prevention None known
Supportive interaction DHEA*
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability None known

For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

References:

1. Stomati M, Rubino S, Spinetti A, et al. Endocrine, neuroendocrine and behavioral effects of oral dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate supplementation in postmenopausal women. Gynecol Endocrinol 1999;13:15–25.

2. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Central Analgesics, Clonidine HCl. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Mar 1997, 246g–6k.