Clonidine Extended-Release (Clonidine Hydrochloride) - Drug Interactions, Contraindications, Overdosage, etc

DRUG INTERACTIONS

No drug interaction studies have been conducted with clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets in children. The following have been reported with other oral immediate release formulations of clonidine.

Interactions with CNS-depressant Drugs

Clonidine may potentiate the CNS-depressive effects of alcohol, barbiturates or other sedating drugs.

Interactions with Tricyclic Antidepressants

If a patient is receiving clonidine hydrochloride and also taking tricyclic antidepressants the hypotensive effects of clonidine may be reduced.

Interactions with Drugs Known to Affect Sinus Node Function or AV Nodal Conduction

Due to a potential for additive effects such as bradycardia and AV block, caution is warranted in patients receiving clonidine concomitantly with agents known to affect sinus node function or AV nodal conduction (e.g., digitalis, calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers).

Use with other products containing clonidine

Do not use clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets concomitantly with other products containing clonidine (e.g. Catapres^®).

Antihypertensive Drugs

Use caution when clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets are administered concomitantly with antihypertensive drugs, due to the potential for additive pharmacodynamic effects (e.g., hypotension, syncope) [see Warnings and Precautions].

OVERDOSAGE

Symptoms

Clonidine overdose: hypertension may develop early and may be followed by hypotension, bradycardia, respiratory depression, hypothermia, drowsiness, decreased or absent reflexes, weakness, irritability and miosis. The frequency of CNS depression may be higher in children than adults. Large overdoses may result in reversible cardiac conduction defects or dysrhythmias, apnea, coma and seizures. Signs and symptoms of overdose generally occur within 30 minutes to two hours after exposure.

Treatment

Consult with a Certified Poison Control Center for up-to-date guidance and advice.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to clonidine.

DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE

Controlled Substance

Clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets are not a controlled substance and have no known potential for abuse or dependence.