Clonidine is available by prescription only in pill or
patch form.
Clonidine is a blood pressure medicine
that relaxes the smooth muscle of blood vessels, causing them to widen, or
dilate. This reduces the pressure of blood flow through the artery. Clonidine's
effect on hot flashes is not well understood.
Clonidine can be used to treat hot
flashes. Because it is a nonhormonal treatment, women with a history of breast
cancer can use it without increasing the risk of further cancer cell growth (as
in the case of estrogen treatment).
Clonidine may relieve hot flashes for
some women. But studies have not shown that clonidine makes hot flashes less
severe or less frequent.
1
If you have
high blood pressure and hot flashes, clonidine may be an effective choice for
both problems.
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor if you have:
Common side effects of this medicine include:
- Lightheadedness or dizziness.
- Increased or irregular heart rate.
- Headache.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
The clonidine patch should be
changed weekly.
Do not suddenly stop taking
clonidine. To stop clonidine use, slowly decrease your dose over 2 to 4 days to
prevent nervousness, agitation, headache, confusion, and tremor along with a
sudden rise in blood pressure (rebound hypertension).
Clonidine
for treating
hot flashes is an
off-label use.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Advice for women
If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)
(What is a PDF document?)
to help you understand this medication.
Citations
-
Morris E, Rymer J (2007). Menopausal symptoms, search
date December 2006. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence
. Also available online:
http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
|
By
| Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
| Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
| Carla J. Herman, MD, MPH - Geriatric Medicine |
|
Last Revised
| April 26, 2012 |
