Clonidine

Category: pharmacological

Aliases: Catapres, Kapvay

Pharmacological Mechanism

Non-selective α₂A/B/C agonist. Central sympathetic outflow reduction via brainstem α₂ → BP + HR decrease. Less-selective than guanfacine → more sedation / hypotension / dry mouth.

Half-Life (t½)

PO: 12h, IV: 12h, TD: 12h

Dosing Guidelines

• PO: Typical 0.167mg (Range: 0.1 - 0.3 mg)
• TD: Typical 0.167mg (Range: 0.1 - 0.3 mg)
• IV: Typical 0.167mg (Range: 0.1 - 0.3 mg)

Target Organ Systems

• nervous
• cardiovascular