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Clonidine

Brand names: Catapres, Kapvay

Clonidine lowers blood pressure by calming nerve signals from the brain. A long-acting form treats ADHD.

Brand namesCatapres, Kapvay
Type of medicineCentral alpha agonist
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It's also used off-label for withdrawal symptoms, hot flashes, and sleep problems in children with ADHD.

What it's used for

  • High blood pressure
  • ADHD (Kapvay, extended-release)
  • Off-label: opioid and alcohol withdrawal symptoms

How to take it

  • Take it the same way each day. Patches are changed once a week.
  • Swallow extended-release tablets whole.
  • Don't stop suddenly. Blood pressure can shoot up dangerously. Your provider will lower the dose slowly.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Sleepiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Tiredness
  • Dizziness
  • Constipation
Call 911Severe headache, chest pain, or confusion after missing doses or stopping (rebound high blood pressure)
Call 911Fainting or a very slow heartbeat
Call your provider todaySevere sleepiness

Warnings

  • Don't drive until you know how it affects you.
  • Remove patches before an MRI.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Alcohol and sedating medicines add to drowsiness.
  • Beta blockers and other heart-rate medicines can slow the heart too much and make stopping clonidine riskier.
  • Tricyclic antidepressants can weaken it.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.