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Book

Clonidine Toxicity(Archived)

Lauren Manzon  1 , Thomas M. Nappe  2 , Christopher DelMaestro  1 , Nicole J. Maguire  1
In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan.
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Book

Clonidine Toxicity(Archived)

Lauren Manzon et al.
Free Books & Documents

Excerpt

Clonidine is a commonly prescribed biochemical derivative of imidazoline with a variety of clinical uses. It was originally developed as a nasal decongestant, but its main use has been as an anti-hypertensive agent. In recent years it has gained popularity in pediatric patients for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Tourette syndrome, and sleep disturbances. It has also been shown to be useful in treating several different drug withdrawal syndromes. Clonidine’s effect on the body stems from its action on alpha-2 receptors, imidazoline receptors, and the functional overlap of alpha-2 receptors on mu receptors. Overdose results in a toxidrome not easily identified.

Even at therapeutic doses, clonidine has a number of anticholinergic side effects that include dry mouth, constipation, and sedation. However, at toxic doses, it can cause hemodynamic instability and depression.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: Lauren Manzon declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Thomas Nappe declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Christopher DelMaestro declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Nicole Maguire declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

References

    1. Yasaei R, Saadabadi A. StatPearls [Internet] StatPearls Publishing; Treasure Island (FL): 2023. Jul 17, Clonidine.
    1. Norman K, Nappe TM. StatPearls [Internet] StatPearls Publishing; Treasure Island (FL): 2023. Aug 7, Alpha Receptor Agonist Toxicity.
    1. Isbister GK, Heppell SP, Page CB, Ryan NM. Adult clonidine overdose: prolonged bradycardia and central nervous system depression, but not severe toxicity. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2017 Mar;55(3):187-192. - PubMed
    1. Cates AL, Wheatley SM, Katz KD. Clonidine Overdose in a Toddler Due to Accidental Ingestion of a Compounding Cream. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2018 Apr;34(4):e79-e81. - PubMed
    1. Spiller HA, Hays HL, Aleguas A. Overdose of drugs for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: clinical presentation, mechanisms of toxicity, and management. CNS Drugs. 2013 Jul;27(7):531-43. - PubMed

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