Clonidine for the Treatment of High Blood Pressure

How clonidine works

Clonidine stimulates alpha receptors in the brain, which then signal blood vessels to relax (dilate). The widening of blood vessels results in blood pressure dropping.

Use of clonidine

Clonidine is rarely used as a first line drug for the treatment of high blood pressure. It may be used when a number of other drugs have been tried and have failed to reduce blood pressure sufficiently.

Occasionally clonidine will be used, when there are fluctuations in blood pressure through the day, to smooth out these fluctuations.

Potential side effects of clonidine

Common side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, fatigue and constipation.

Other side effects can include disturbed sleep, rash, irregular heartbeat, nausea, impotence, joint pain, chest pain and increased sensitivity to alcohol.

As with all drugs, there may be side effects when this class of drugs is taken in combination with certain other drugs. Make sure that your health care provider is aware of any, and all, prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, herbal supplements, nutritional supplements and vitamins that are being taken.