Can You Take Too Much Clonidine?
Clonidine hydrochloride (
Catapres®,
Catapres-TTS®,
Duraclon®) is a prescription
high blood pressure medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. It is also used to treat severe pain in people with cancer (when given in an epidural). As with most medications, it is possible to take too much clonidine. The specific effects of a clonidine overdose can be dangerous but will vary, depending on a number of factors, including the
clonidine dosage and whether it was taken with any other medications or substances.
An overdose with clonidine may cause the following problems:
- High blood pressure at first, followed by low blood pressure
- A slow heart rate
- Shallow or slow breathing
- Low body temperature
- Drowsiness
- Decreased reflexes
- Weakness
- Irritability
- Constricted, pinpoint pupils
- An irregular heart rhythm
- Coma
- Seizures.
Treatment for a Clonidine Overdose
The treatment for an overdose will vary.
If the overdose was recent, a healthcare provider may give certain medicines or place a tube into the stomach to "pump the stomach." In general, vomiting should not be induced. Treatment will also involve supportive care, such as:
- Close monitoring of vital signs
- Giving medications to increase and control the heart rate
- Giving IV fluids and medications to increase blood pressure
- Giving medications to increase breathing.
It is important that you seek medical attention immediately if you believe that you may have taken a clonidine overdose.
