For most people, the starting dosage for
clonidine tablets is 0.1 mg twice daily, taken at morning and bedtime. If necessary, your healthcare provider may slowly increase your dose. Your healthcare provider may recommend that you take a larger portion of the daily dose at bedtime (and a smaller portion in the morning), in order to reduce bothersome
clonidine side effects like drowsiness or dry mouth. Elderly individuals and people with kidney disease may need a lower dosage.
You should not abruptly stop taking
clonidine, as serious problems (including a
stroke or even death) may result. Your healthcare provider will advise you about how to safely stop taking this medication. It is usually recommended to slowly reduce the dose over at least two to four days, with careful monitoring. Let your healthcare provider know if you develop any problems while stopping clonidine.
Epidural Clonidine Dosing
In most cases, the recommended starting dose for epidural clonidine is 30 mcg per hour, given continuously through an epidural infusion. Your healthcare provider may increase or decrease the dose as necessary.
General Dosing Information
Some considerations for people taking clonidine include the following:
- Clonidine patches are usually applied to the skin once every seven days. Clonidine tablets are usually taken twice daily. Clonidine epidural infusion is given continuously.
- The directions for using each clonidine product may vary substantially, so be sure to follow the instructions for your particular product.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Clonidine will not work if you stop taking it.
- If you are unsure about anything related to your dosage, please talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Previous