Online Guide to Quitting
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MEDICATION GUIDE
CLONIDINE FACT SHEET
Description of Product: |
Clonidine, also known as Catapres, is generally prescribed to treat high blood pressure; clonidine may reduce tobacco withdrawal symptoms when first line medications do not work. The use of clonidine for smoking cessation has not yet been approved by the FDA. |
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Dosing: |
Clonidine dosages for tobacco cessation have ranged from 0.15 to 0.75 mg a day orally and 0.1 to 0.3 mg a day transdermally. Therapy is usually initiated at 0.1 mg orally twice daily or 0.1 mg a day transdermally and is increased by 0.10 mg a day each week as tolerated. |
Side Effects: |
Side effects may include:
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Precautions: |
This fact sheet was created to give you a general understanding of this medication. Please note that this fact sheet may not provide you with all the information you need to make the decision to use this product. Always read the instructions on the package carefully and talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a severe medical problem, talk with your doctor before starting any new medication. |
Special Precautions: |
Clonidine is not currently approved by the FDA for the treatment of nicotine addiction. Doctors sometimes prescribe this drug to help people quit smoking when the first line of treatment does not help with cessation. |
References: Information provided on the Medication Guide and Fact Sheets was obtained from a variety of sources, such as product information guides; manufacturers' Web sites, medical Web sites, and articles in the medical literature, including Corelli, R.L. & Hudman, K.S. (2006) Pharmacologic interventions for smoking cessation, Crit Care Nurs Clin N Am, 18, 39-51.
