Clonidine Hydrochloride .1 mg Tablet, Extended Release, 60-count
🆔 Identity & classification
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🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Central alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist class.
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🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
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🩺 Clinical
Clonidine is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Clonidine is also used alone or in combination with other medications as part of a treatment program to control symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; more difficulty focusing, controlling actions, and remaining still or quiet than other people who are the same age) in children 6 years of age and older. Clonidine is in a class of medications called centrally acting alpha-agonist hypotensive agents. Clonidine treats high blood pressure by decreasing your heart rate and relaxing th...
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗- You're right that it's used for several different conditions — that can be confusing. Depending on the product, clonidine is prescribed to lower high blood pressure in adults, to t...
- What exactly is clonidine used for — I've seen it mentioned for totally different things?
- Drowsiness is one of the most common side effects, especially when you first start or when your dose goes up. Many people find it eases a bit over time. Until you know how it affec...
- Will clonidine make me too sleepy to function?
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
Clonidine may be associated with lower levels of 1 nutrient — worth a chat with your pharmacist, not a cause for alarm.
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💊 What it looks like
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🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
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UNII 3NXW29V3WO
Hypromellose is a plant-based thickener made from cellulose. It's used in medicines as a binder to hold ingredients together, a coating for tablets, and a thickener for liquids.
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Lactose monohydrate is a natural sugar derived from milk. It serves as a filler and binder in tablets and capsules, helping create the proper size, texture, and consistency of the medicine.
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Magnesium stearate is a salt made from magnesium and stearic acid, a fatty substance. It's used in tablets and capsules as a lubricant and glidant to help ingredients flow smoothly during manufacturing and prevent sticking.
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Silicon dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral used as a glidant and anti-caking agent. It helps powder ingredients flow smoothly and prevents clumping during manufacturing and storage.
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A detergent and foaming agent derived from coconut or palm oil. In medications, it helps break down and mix oil and water-based ingredients, aids in tablet disintegration, and improves how the drug dissolves and spreads in the mouth or digestive system.
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UNII O8232NY3SJ
A plant-based carbohydrate derived from corn kernels. It acts as a filler to add bulk, a binder to hold ingredients together, and a disintegrant to help the tablet break apart in your stomach for absorption.
6 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
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ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.Inactive ingredient FAQ
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💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per ea | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | $0.215 | $12.90 / 60 tablets |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | $0.4660 | $27.96 / 60 tablets |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 | $0.4712 | $28.27 / 60 tablets |
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🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clonidine Hydrochloride .1 mg 00228-4241-06 | Actavis | 60 tablets | $0.215 | AB1 | Availability likely | — |
| Clonidine hydrochloride .1 mg 27241-0108-06 | Ajanta | 60 tablets | $0.215 | AB1 | Availability likely | — |
| Clonidine Hydrochloride .1 mg 43547-0435-06 | Solco | 60 tablets | $0.215 | AB1 | Availability likely | — |
| Clonidine hydrochloride .1 mg 60687-0462-21 | American | 1 tablet | $0.215 | AB1 | Availability likely | — |
| Clonidine hydrochloride .1 mg 68001-0568-06 | BluePoint | 60 tablets | $0.215 | AB1 | Availability likely | — |
| Clonidine Hydrochloride .1 mgthis 70069-0044-01 | Somerset | 60 tablets | $0.215 | AB1 | Availability likely | — |
| Clonidine .1 mg 50742-0247-05 | Ingenus | 500 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Clonidine Hydrochloride .1 mg 63629-1208-01 | Bryant | 60 tablets | — | AB1 | Discontinued | — |
| Clonidine Hydrochloride .1 mg 68180-0606-06 | Lupin | 30 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Clonidine Hydrochloride .1 mg 71034-0001-60 | Xiamen | 60 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Clonidine Hydrochloride .1 mg 72162-1367-06 | Bryant | 60 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
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⏳ Availability & generic status
This product is an FDA-approved generic. Other versions of the same drug are listed under Therapeutic equivalents, least expensive first.
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🗺️ Medicaid utilization & spend
📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70069-0044-01 You're viewing this | 60 TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE in 1 BOTTLE (70069-044-01) | 2025-03-04 | Active |
📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets are indicated for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as monotherapy and as adjunctive therapy to stimulant medications [see Clinical Studies (14) ]. Clonidine hydrochloride is a centrally acting alpha 2 -adrenergic agonist indicated for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as monotherapy or as adjunctive therapy to stimulant medications.
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Start with one 0.1 mg tablet at bedtime for one week. Increase daily dosage in increments of 0.1 mg/day at weekly intervals until the desired response is achieved. Take twice a day, with either an equal or higher split dosage being given at bedtime, as depicted below ( 2.2 ) Total Daily Dose Morning Dose Bedtime Dose 0.1 mg/day 0.1 mg 0.2 mg/day 0.1 mg 0.1 mg 0.3 mg/day 0.1 mg 0.2 mg 0.4 mg/day 0.2 mg 0.2 mg Do not crush, chew or break tablet before swallowing.
( 2.1 ) Do not substitute for other clonidine products on a mg-per-mg basis, because of differing pharmacokinetic profiles. ( 2.1 ) When discontinuing, taper the dose in decrements of no more than 0.1 mg every 3 to 7 days to avoid rebound hypertension. ( 2.3 )
2.1General Dosing Information Clonidine hydrochloride is an extended-release tablet to be taken orally with or without food. Swallow tablets whole. Do not crush, chew, or break tablets because this will increase the rate of clonidine release.
Due to the lack of controlled clinical trial data and differing pharmacokinetic profiles, substitution of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets for other clonidine products on a mg-per-mg basis is not recommended [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
2.2Dose Selection The dose of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets, administered either as monotherapy or as adjunctive therapy to a psychostimulant, should be individualized according to the therapeutic needs and response of the patient. Dosing should be initiated with one 0.1 mg tablet at bedtime, and the daily dosage should be adjusted in increments of 0.1 mg/day at weekly intervals until the desired response is achieved. Doses should be taken twice a day, with either an equal or higher split dosage being given at bedtime (see Table 1 ).
Table 1 Clonidine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets Dosing Guidance Total Daily Dose Morning Dose Bedtime Dose 0.1 mg/day 0.1 mg 0.2 mg/day 0.1 mg 0.1 mg 0.3 mg/day 0.1 mg 0.2 mg 0.4 mg/day 0.2 mg 0.2 mg Doses of clonidine hydrochloride higher than 0.4 mg/day (0.2 mg twice daily) were not evaluated in clinical trials for ADHD and are not recommended. When clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets are being added-on to a psychostimulant, the dose of the psychostimulant can be adjusted depending on the patient's response to clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets.
2.3Discontinuation When discontinuing clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets, the total daily dose should be tapered in decrements of no more than 0.1 mg every 3 to 7 days to avoid rebound hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ].
2.4Missed Doses If patients miss a dose of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets, they should skip that dose and take the next dose as scheduled. Do not take more than the prescribed total daily amount of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets in any 24-hour period.
💊 Dosage Forms and Strengths ▾
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets are available in a 0.1 mg strength formulation. The 0.1 mg tablets are white to off-white round, biconvex tablets with debossing: "U" on one side and "77" on the other side. Clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets must be swallowed whole and never crushed, cut or chewed. Extended-release tablets: 0.1 mg, not scored.
⛔ Contraindications ▾
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets are contraindicated in patients with a history of a hypersensitivity reaction to clonidine. Reactions have included generalized rash, urticaria, and angioedema [see Adverse Reactions (6) ]. History of a hypersensitivity reaction to clonidine. Reactions have included generalized rash, urticaria, angioedema.
⚠️ Warnings and Cautions ▾
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypotension/bradycardia/syncope: Titrate slowly and monitor vital signs frequently in patients at risk for hypotension, heart block, bradycardia, syncope, cardiovascular disease, vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease or chronic renal failure. Measure heart rate and blood pressure prior to initiation of therapy, following dose increases, and periodically while on therapy. Avoid concomitant use of drugs with additive effects unless clinically indicated.
Advise patients to avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated. ( 5.1 ) Somnolence/Sedation: Has been observed with clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets. Consider the potential for additive sedative effects with CNS depressant drugs.
Caution patients against operating heavy equipment or driving until they know how they respond to clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets. ( 5.2 ) Cardiac Conduction Abnormalities: May worsen sinus node dysfunction and atrioventricular (AV) block, especially in patients taking other sympatholytic drugs. Titrate slowly and monitor vital signs frequently.
( 5.5 )
5.1Hypotension/Bradycardia Treatment with clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets can cause dose-related decreases in blood pressure and heart rate [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. Measure heart rate and blood pressure prior to initiation of therapy, following dose increases, and periodically while on therapy. Titrate clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets slowly in patients with a history of hypotension, and those with underlying conditions that may be worsened by hypotension and bradycardia; e.g., heart block, bradycardia, cardiovascular disease, vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, or chronic renal failure.
In patients who have a history of syncope or may have a condition that predisposes them to syncope, such as hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, or dehydration, advise patients to avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated. Monitor blood pressure and heart rate, and adjust dosages accordingly in patients treated concomitantly with antihypertensives or other drugs that can reduce blood pressure or heart rate or increase the risk of syncope.
5.2Sedation and Somnolence Somnolence and sedation were commonly reported adverse reactions in clinical studies. In patients that completed 5 weeks of therapy in a controlled, fixed dose pediatric monotherapy study, 31% of patients treated with 0.4 mg/day and 38% treated with 0.2 mg/day versus 4% of placebo treated patients reported somnolence as an adverse event. In patients that completed 5 weeks of therapy in a controlled flexible dose pediatric adjunctive to stimulants study, 19% of patients treated with clonidine hydrochloride+stimulant versus 7% treated with placebo+stimulant reported somnolence.
Before using clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets with other centrally active depressants (such as phenothiazines, barbiturates, or benzodiazepines), consider the potential for additive sedative effects. Caution patients against operating heavy equipment or driving until they know how they respond to treatment with clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets. Advise patients to avoid use with alcohol.
5.3Rebound Hypertension Abrupt discontinuation of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets can cause rebound hypertension. In adults with hypertension, sudden cessation of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release formulation treatment in the 0.2 to 0.6 mg/day range resulted in reports of headache, tachycardia, nausea, flushing, warm feeling, brief lightheadedness, tightness in chest, and anxiety. In adults with hypertension, sudden cessation of treatment with immediate-release clonidine has, in some cases, resulted in symptoms such as nervousness, agitation, headache, and tremor accompanied or followed by a rapid rise in blood pressure and elevated catecholamine concentrations in the plasma.
No studies evaluating abrupt discontinuation of clonidine…
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described in greater detail elsewhere in labeling: Hypotension/bradycardia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Sedation and somnolence [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Rebound hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Allergic reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Cardiac Conduction Abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence at least 5% and twice the rate of placebo) as monotherapy in ADHD: somnolence, fatigue, irritability, nightmare, insomnia, constipation, dry mouth.
(6.1) Most common adverse reactions (incidence at least 5% and twice the rate of placebo) as adjunct therapy to psychostimulant in ADHD: somnolence, fatigue, decreased appetite, dizziness. (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Somerset Therapeutics LLC, at 1- 800-417-9175, or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch
6.1Clinical Trial Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Two clonidine hydrochloride ADHD clinical studies (Study 1, CLON-301 and Study 2, CLON-302) evaluated 256 patients in two 8-week placebo-controlled studies. A third clonidine hydrochloride ADHD clinical study (Study 3, SHN-KAP-401) evaluated 135 children and adolescents in a 40-week placebo-controlled randomized-withdrawal study.
Study 1: Fixed-dose Clonidine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets Monotherapy Study 1 (CLON-301) was a short-term, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of two fixed doses (0.2 mg/day or 0.4 mg/day) of clonidine hydrochloride in children and adolescents (6 to 17 years of age) who met DSM-IV criteria for ADHD hyperactive or combined inattentive/hyperactive subtypes. Most Common Adverse Reactions (incidence of ≥ 5% and at least twice the rate of placebo): somnolence, fatigue, irritability, insomnia, nightmare, constipation, dry mouth.
Adverse Events Leading to Discontinuation of Clonidine Hydrochloride – Five patients (7%) in the low dose group (0.2 mg), 15 patients (20%) in the high dose group (0.4 mg), and 1 patient in the placebo group (1%) reported adverse reactions that led to discontinuation. The most common adverse reactions that led to discontinuation were somnolence and fatigue. Commonly observed adverse reactions (incidence of ≥2% in either active treatment group and greater than the rate on placebo) during the treatment period are listed in Table 2.
Table 2 Common Adverse Reactions in the Fixed-Dose Monotherapy Trial – Treatment Period (Study 1) Percentage of Patients Reporting Event Preferred Term Clonidine Hydrochloride 0.2 mg/day N=76 Clonidine Hydrochloride 0.4 mg/day N=78 Placebo (N=76) PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS Somnolence Somnolence includes the terms "somnolence" and "sedation". 38% 31% 4% Nightmare 4% 9% 0% Emotional Disorder 4% 4% 1% Aggression 3% 1% 0% Tearfulness 1% 3% 0% Enuresis 0% 4% 0% Sleep Terror 3% 0% 0% Poor Quality Sleep 0% 3% 1% NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS Headache 20% 13% 16% Insomnia 5% 6% 1% Tremor 1% 4% 0% Abnormal Sleep-Related Event 3% 1% 0% GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS Upper Abdominal Pain 15% 10% 12% Nausea 4% 5% 3% Constipation 1% 6% 0% Dry Mouth 0% 5% 1% GENERAL DISORDERS Fatigue Fatigue includes the terms "fatigue" and "lethargy".
16% 13% 1% Irritability 9% 5% 4% CARDIAC DISORDERS Dizziness 7% 3% 5% Bradycardia 0% 4% 0% INVESTIGATIONS Increased Heart Rate 0% 3% 0% METABOLISM AND NUTRITION DISORDERS Decreased Appetite 3% 4% 4% Commonly observed adverse reactions (incidence of ≥ 2% in either active treatment group and greater than the rate on placebo) during the taper period are listed in Table 3. Table 3 Common Adverse Reactions in the Fixed-Dose Monotherapy Trial – Taper Period Taper Period: 0.2 mg dose, week 8; 0.4 m…
🔄 Drug Interactions ▾
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS The following have been reported with other oral immediate release formulations of clonidine: Table 6 Clinically Important Drug Interactions Concomitant Drug Name or Drug Class Clinical Rationale Clinical Recommendation Tricyclic antidepressants Increase blood pressure and may counteract clonidine's hypotensive effects Monitor blood pressure and adjust as needed Antihypertensive drugs Potentiate clonidine's hypotensive effects Monitor blood pressure and adjust as needed CNS depressants Potentiate sedating effects Avoid use Drugs that affect sinus node function or AV node conduction (e.g., digitalis, calcium channel blockers, beta blockers) Potentiate bradycardia and risk of AV block Avoid use Sedating Drugs: Clonidine may potentiate the CNS-depressive effects of alcohol, barbiturates or other sedating drugs.
( 7 ) Tricyclic Antidepressants: May reduce the hypotensive effect of clonidine. ( 7 ) Drugs Known to Affect Sinus Node Function or AV Nodal Conduction: 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) due to a potential for additive effects such as bradycardia and AV block. ( 7 ) Antihypertensive drugs: Use caution when coadministered with clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets.
( 7 )
👥 Use in Specific Populations ▾
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Renal Impairment: The dosage of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets must be adjusted according to the degree of impairment, and patients should be carefully monitored. ( 8.6 , 12.3 )
8.1Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to ADHD medications, including clonidine hydrochloride, during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for ADHD Medications at 1-866-961-2388 or visiting https://womensmentalhealth.org/adhd-medications/. Risk Summary Prolonged experience with clonidine in pregnant women over several decades, based on published literature, including controlled trials, a retrospective cohort study and case reports, have not identified a drug associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, and adverse maternal or fetal outcomes.
In animal embryofetal studies, increased resorptions were seen in rats and mice administered oral clonidine hydrochloride from implantation through organogenesis at 10 and 5 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) given to adolescents on a mg/m 2 basis. No developmental effects were seen in rabbits administered oral clonidine hydrochloride during organogenesis at doses up to 3 times the MRHD (see Data ) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.
All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriages in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data Oral administration of clonidine hydrochloride to pregnant rabbits during the period of embryo/fetal organogenesis at doses of up to 80 mcg/kg/day (approximately 3 times the oral maximum recommended daily dose [MRHD] of 0.4 mg/day given to adolescents on a mg/m 2 basis) produced no developmental effects.
In pregnant rats, however, doses as low as 15 mcg/kg/day (1/3 the MRHD given to adolescents on a mg/m 2 basis) were associated with increased resorptions in a study in which dams were treated continuously from 2 months prior to mating and throughout gestation. Increased resorptions were not associated with treatment at the same or at higher dose levels (up to 3 times the MRHD) when treatment of the dams was restricted to gestation days 6 to 15. Increases in resorptions were observed in both rats and mice at 500 mcg/kg/day (10 and 5 times the MRHD in rats and mice, respectively) or higher when the animals were treated on gestation days 1 to 14; 500 mcg/kg/day was the lowest dose employed in this study.
8.2Lactation Risk Summary Based on published lactation studies, clonidine hydrochloride is present in human milk at relative infant doses ranging from 4.1% to 8.4% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage. Although in most cases, there were no reported adverse effects in breastfed infants exposed to clonidine, there is one case report of sedation, hypotonia, and apnea in an infant exposed to clonidine through breast milk. If an infant is exposed to clonidine hydrochloride through breastmilk, monitor for symptoms of hypotension and bradycardia, such as sedation, lethargy, tachypnea and poor feeding (see Clinical Considerations ).
The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for clonidine hydrochloride and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from clonidine hydrochloride or from the underlying maternal condition. Exercise caution when clonidine hydrochloride is administered to a nursing woman. Clinical Considerations Monitor breastfeeding infants exposed to clonidine hydrochloride through breast milk for symptoms of hypotension and/or bradycardia such as sedation, lethargy, tachypnea, and poor feeding.
8.3…
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
8.1Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to ADHD medications, including clonidine hydrochloride, during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for ADHD Medications at 1-866-961-2388 or visiting https://womensmentalhealth.org/adhd-medications/. Risk Summary Prolonged experience with clonidine in pregnant women over several decades, based on published literature, including controlled trials, a retrospective cohort study and case reports, have not identified a drug associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, and adverse maternal or fetal outcomes.
In animal embryofetal studies, increased resorptions were seen in rats and mice administered oral clonidine hydrochloride from implantation through organogenesis at 10 and 5 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) given to adolescents on a mg/m 2 basis. No developmental effects were seen in rabbits administered oral clonidine hydrochloride during organogenesis at doses up to 3 times the MRHD (see Data ) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.
All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriages in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data Oral administration of clonidine hydrochloride to pregnant rabbits during the period of embryo/fetal organogenesis at doses of up to 80 mcg/kg/day (approximately 3 times the oral maximum recommended daily dose [MRHD] of 0.4 mg/day given to adolescents on a mg/m 2 basis) produced no developmental effects.
In pregnant rats, however, doses as low as 15 mcg/kg/day (1/3 the MRHD given to adolescents on a mg/m 2 basis) were associated with increased resorptions in a study in which dams were treated continuously from 2 months prior to mating and throughout gestation. Increased resorptions were not associated with treatment at the same or at higher dose levels (up to 3 times the MRHD) when treatment of the dams was restricted to gestation days 6 to 15. Increases in resorptions were observed in both rats and mice at 500 mcg/kg/day (10 and 5 times the MRHD in rats and mice, respectively) or higher when the animals were treated on gestation days 1 to 14; 500 mcg/kg/day was the lowest dose employed in this study.
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
8.4Pediatric Use The safety and efficacy of clonidine hydrochloride in the treatment of ADHD have been established in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years of age. Use of clonidine hydrochloride in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years of age is supported by three adequate and well-controlled studies; a short-term, placebo-controlled monotherapy trial, a short-term adjunctive therapy trial and a longer-term randomized monotherapy trial [see Clinical Studies (14) ]. Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients below the age of 6 years has not been established.
Juvenile Animal Data In studies in juvenile rats, clonidine hydrochloride alone or in combination with methylphenidate had an effect on bone growth at clinically relevant doses and produced a slight delay in sexual maturation in males at 3 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) for clonidine and methylphenidate. In a study where juvenile rats were treated orally with clonidine hydrochloride from day 21 of age to adulthood, a slight delay in onset of preputial separation (delayed sexual maturation) was seen in males treated with 300 mcg/kg/day, which is approximately 3 times the MRHD of 0.4 mg/day on a mg/m 2 basis.
The no-effect dose was 100 mcg/kg/day, which is approximately equal to the MRHD. There was no drug effects on fertility or on other measures of sexual or neurobehavioral development. In a study where juvenile rats were treated with clonidine alone (300 mcg/kg/day) or in combination with methylphenidate (10 mg/kg/day in females and 50/30 mg/kg/day in males; the dose was lowered from 50 to 30 mg/kg/day in males due to self-injurious behavior during the first week of treatment) from day 21 of age to adulthood, decreases in bone mineral density and mineral content were observed in males treated with 300 mcg/kg/day clonidine alone and in combination with 50/30 mg/kg/day methylphenidate and a decrease in femur length was observed in males treated with the combination at the end of the treatment period.
These doses are approximately 3 times the MRHD of 0.4 mg/day clonidine and 54 mg/day methylphenidate on a mg/m 2 basis. All these effects in males were not reversed at the end of a 4-week recovery period. In addition, similar findings were seen in males treated with a lower dose of clonidine (30 mcg/kg/day) in combination with 50 mg/kg/day of methylphenidate and a decrease in femur length was observed in females treated with clonidine alone at the end of the recovery period.
These effects were accompanied by a decrease in body weight gain in treated animals during the treatment period but the effect was reversed at the end of the recovery period. A delay in preputial separation (sexual maturation) was observed in males treated with the combination treatment of 300 mcg/kg/day clonidine and 50/30 mg/kg/day methylphenidate. There was no effect on reproduction or sperm analysis in these males.
🆘 Overdosage ▾
10 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 (1-800-222-1222) for up-to-date guidance and advice.
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1Mechanism of Action Clonidine stimulates alpha 2 -adrenergic receptors in the brain. Clonidine is not a central nervous system stimulant. The mechanism of action of clonidine in ADHD is not known.
12.2Pharmacodynamics Clonidine is a known antihypertensive agent. By stimulating alpha 2 -adrenergic receptors in the brain stem, clonidine reduces sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system and decreases peripheral resistance, renal vascular resistance, heart rate, and blood pressure.
12.3Pharmacokinetics Single-dose Pharmacokinetics in Adults Immediate-release clonidine hydrochloride and clonidine hydrochloride extended-release have different pharmacokinetic characteristics; dose substitution on a milligram for milligram basis will result in differences in exposure. A comparison across studies suggests that the C max is 50% lower for clonidine hydrochloride extended-release compared to immediate-release clonidine hydrochloride. Following oral administration of an immediate release formulation, plasma clonidine concentration peaks in approximately 3 to 5 hours and the plasma half-life ranges from 12 to 16 hours.
The half-life increases up to 41 hours in patients with severe impairment of renal function. Following oral administration about 40% to 60% of the absorbed dose is recovered in the urine as unchanged drug in 24 hours. About 50% of the absorbed dose is metabolized in the liver.
Although studies of the effect of renal impairment and studies of clonidine excretion have not been performed with clonidine hydrochloride extended-release, results are likely to be similar to those of the immediate release formulation. The pharmacokinetic profile of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release administration was evaluated in an open-label, three-period, randomized, crossover study of 15 healthy adult subjects who received three single-dose regimens of clonidine: 0.1 mg of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release under fasted conditions, 0.1 mg of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release following a high fat meal, and 0.1 mg of clonidine immediate-release (Catapres ® ) under fasted conditions.
Treatments were separated by one-week washout periods. Mean concentration-time data from the 3 treatments are shown in Table 7 and Figure 1. After administration of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release, maximum clonidine concentrations were approximately 50% of the Catapres maximum concentrations and occurred approximately 5 hours later relative to Catapres.
Similar elimination half-lives were observed and total systemic bioavailability following clonidine hydrochloride extended-release was approximately 89% of that following Catapres. Food had no effect on plasma concentrations, bioavailability, or elimination half-life. Table 7 Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Clonidine in Healthy Adult Volunteers CATAPRES-Fasted n=15 Clonidine Hydrochloride Extended-Release-Fed n=15 Clonidine Hydrochloride Extended-Release-Fasted n=14 Parameter Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD C max (pg/mL) 443 59.6 235 34.7 258
33.3AUC inf (hr*pg/mL) 7313 1812 6505 1728 6729 1650 hT max (hr) 2.07 0.5 6.80 3.61 6.50
1.23T 1/2 (hr) 12.57 3.11 12.67 3.76 12.65
3.56Figure 1 Mean Clonidine Concentration-Time Profiles after Single Dose Administration Multiple-dose Pharmacokinetics in Children and Adolescents Plasma clonidine concentrations in children and adolescents (0.1 mg bid and 0.2 mg bid) with ADHD are greater than those of adults with hypertension with children and adolescents receiving higher doses on a mg/kg basis. Body weight normalized clearance (CL/F) in children and adolescents was higher than CL/F observed in adults with hypertension. Clonidine concentrations in plasma increased with increases in dose over the dose range of 0.2 to 0.4 mg/day.
Clonidine CL/F was independent of dose administered over the 0.2 to 0.4 mg/day dose range. Clonidine CL/F appeared to decrease slightly with increases in age over the range of 6 to 17 years, and fe…
🧬 Mechanism of Action ▾
12.1Mechanism of Action Clonidine stimulates alpha 2 -adrenergic receptors in the brain. Clonidine is not a central nervous system stimulant. The mechanism of action of clonidine in ADHD is not known.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablet 0.1 mg is a white to off-white round, biconvex tablets with debossing: "U" on one side and "77" on the other side and supplied as follows. Bottles of 60 tablets with child-resistant closure, NDC 70069-044-01 Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Dispense in a tight container as defined in the USP.
Keep clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets and all medicines out of the reach of children.
📋 Description ▾
11 DESCRIPTION Clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets are a centrally acting alpha 2 -adrenergic agonist available as 0.1 mg extended-release tablets for oral administration. Each 0.1 mg tablet is equivalent to 0.087 mg of the free base. The inactive ingredients are sodium lauryl sulfate, lactose monohydrate, hypromellose, pregelatinized starch, colloidal silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate.
The formulation is designed to delay the absorption of active drug in order to decrease peak to trough plasma concentration differences. Clonidine hydrochloride is an imidazoline derivative and exists as a mesomeric compound. The chemical name is 2-(2,6 dichlorophenylamino)-2-imidazoline hydrochloride.
The following is the structural formula: C 9 H 9 Cl 2 N 3 ∙HCl Mol. Wt. 266.56 Clonidine hydrochloride, USP is an odorless, bitter, white, crystalline substance soluble in water and alcohol.
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💬 Information for Patients ▾
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved Patient Labeling (Patient Information) Dosage and Administration Advise patients that clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets must be swallowed whole, never crushed, cut, or chewed, and may be taken with or without food. When initiating treatment, provide dosage escalation instructions [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ]. Missed Dose If patients miss a dose of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets, advise them to skip the dose and take the next dose as scheduled and not to take more than the prescribed total daily amount of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets in any 24-hour period [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ].
Hypotension/Bradycardia Advise patients who have a history of syncope or may have a condition that predisposes them to syncope, such as hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, or dehydration, to avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Sedation and Somnolence Instruct patients to use caution when driving a car or operating hazardous machinery until they know how they will respond to treatment with clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets. Also advise patients to avoid the use of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets with other centrally active depressants and with alcohol [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ].
Rebound Hypertension Advise patients not to discontinue clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets abruptly [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. Allergic Reactions Advise patients to discontinue clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets and seek immediate medical attention if any signs or symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction occur, such as generalized rash, urticaria, or angioedema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. Pregnancy Registry Advise patients that there is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in patients exposed to clonidine hydrochloride during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ].
Lactation Advise breastfeeding women using clonidine hydrochloride to monitor infants for excess sedation, decreased muscle tone, and respiratory depression and to seek medical care if they notice these signs [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2) ] . Fertility Advise females and males of reproductive potential that clonidine hydrochloride may impair fertility [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) and Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ].