What is Clonidine Hcl? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated Dec 18, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Clonidine is a generic blood pressure medication that is also useful for treating other conditions such as ADHD, cancer pain, opioid withdrawal, and other problems. Unlike other blood pressure drugs, clonidine works on the central nervous system, causing a part of the brain to relax arteries throughout the body. That’s why it has so many other uses that seem unrelated to blood pressure like ADHD, pain, or tic disorders. Doses are typically taken as tablets, but people can opt for a once-a-week skin patch for convenience.

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Clonidine Hcl overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Catapres, Nexiclon XR, Duraclon

Generic Names:

  • Clonidine

Uses:

  • Treats high blood pressure, ADHD (in children), and cancer pain.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antihypertensive, alpha agonist, cardiovascular agent, ADHD agent, analgesic

Forms:

  • Tablet, extended-release tablet, patch, injection

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth, injection, or through the skin

What is Clonidine Hcl used for?

Clonidine lowers blood pressure in people with hypertension. The FDA has also approved it for use in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Clonidine injections are approved to help relieve cancer pain when narcotic painkillers aren’t providing enough relief. Finally, healthcare providers commonly use clonidine off-label to treat tic disorders, opioid withdrawal, and other conditions.

What form(s) does Clonidine Hcl come in?

  • Tablet

    • 0.1 mg

    • 0.2 mg

    • 0.3 mg

  • Extended-release tablet

    • 0.1 mg

    • 0.17 mg

  • Patch

    • 0.1 mg/day

    • 0.2 mg/day

    • 0.3 mg/day

  • Injection

    • 0.1 mg/mL

    • 0.5 mg/mL (requires dilution)

What are common Clonidine Hcl dosages?

Clonidine Hcl images - What does Clonidine Hcl look like?

  • cloNIDine
    1 patch weekly box

  • cloNIDine
    4 patch weekly box

  • cloNIDine
    1 patch weekly package

How to take Clonidine Hcl

  • Follow all directions when taking this medicine. Do not use more than directed.

  • If clonidine is being taken for high blood pressure, take the last dose of the day as close to bedtime as possible.

  • Do not stop taking clonidine until talking to the doctor. The dose may need to be tapered for a few days when the drug is discontinued.

  • How to take clonidine tablets

    • Both immediate-release and extended-release tablets can be taken with or without food.

    • Swallow extended-release clonidine tablets whole. Do not crush, break, or chew them.

    • Store clonidine tablets at room temperature in a tightly closed light-resistant container.

  • How to use clonidine patches

    • Your doctor will tell you how many patches to use, where to apply them, and how often to apply them. Do not use more patches or apply them more often than your doctor tells you to.

    • Read the patient instructions that come with this medicine. They will tell you the body areas where this patch can be worn. Choose different spots each time you apply a new patch.

    • When choosing a spot, do not put a new patch in the same place as the last one.

    • Remove the old patch before applying a new one.

    • Apply the patch to clean, dry skin that has very little hair or no hair. Do not put the patch over burns, cuts, or irritated or shaved skin.

    • Clean the area with soap and water and dry the skin.

    • Leave the patch in its sealed wrapper until you are ready to put it on. 

    • Tear the wrapper and open it carefully. NEVER CUT the wrapper or the patch with scissors. Do not use any patch that has been cut by accident.

    • Leave the patch on your skin for 7 days. Do not remove the patch without your doctor's approval. 

    • Leave the patch in place even when you shower, bathe, or swim. If the patch loosens, cover it with an extra adhesive that is provided in the box.

    • Put on a new patch if the old one has fallen off and cannot be reapplied.

    • Store the patches at room temperature in their sealed wrappers in the original carton.

What to do if you miss a dose of Clonidine Hcl

  • If you forget a clonidine tablet, skip the missed dose. Take the next dose as scheduled. Do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed dose.

  • If you forget to put on a new clonidine patch, put it on when remembered. If one or two days have passed since you forgot to put on a patch, call the doctor for advice on what to do.

Clonidine Hcl contraindications - Who shouldn't take Clonidine Hcl?

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. 

  • Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to clonidine.

Clonidine Hcl warnings

  • Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Tell your doctor if you have:

    • Kidney disease

    • Low or high blood pressure

    • A history of fainting or passing out

    • Heart or blood vessel problems

    • A history of heart attack, stroke, or stroke problems

    • Any other medical condition

  • This medicine may make you drowsy, dizzy, or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • This medicine may cause dry eye or dry mouth. The prescribing doctor may have suggestions to help relieve the dryness and discomfort.

  • Clonidine transdermal patches contain aluminum. Before you have an MRI, remove the patch. Aluminum can cause skin burns at the patch site during an MRI.

  • Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor. If you stop the drug suddenly, you may experience rebound hypertension or withdrawal symptoms. The doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

Clonidine Hcl interactions & what to avoid when taking Clonidine Hcl

  • To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements you use before taking clonidine.

  • In particular, make sure to tell the prescribing doctor if you’re taking:

  • Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.

Clonidine Hcl side effects - How does Clonidine Hcl make you feel?

Serious side effects

Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect including:

  • Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting

  • Chest pain, heartbeats that feel wrong, dizziness, fainting, trouble breathing, shortness of breath

  • Slow pulse, tiredness, weakness, fainting, confusion, shortness of breath

  • Depression

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Allergic reaction to the clonidine patch: Skin rash, blistering, swelling, or redness where the patch is worn

Less serious side effects

  • Low blood pressure

  • Dry mouth

  • Anxiety

  • Drowsiness

  • Dizziness

Find more detailed information about clonidine side effects here.

Sources:

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