Clonidine
Also known as: Duraclon, Catapres, Jenloga, Catapres-TTS
**Purpose:** Your veterinarian has prescribed clonidine to help manage your pet's condition, which may include severe diarrhea, pain management, or off-label use for severe anxiety and phobias. * **Strict Dosing:** Clonidine has a **narrow margin of safety**. Give the exact dose prescribed. **Never give more than directed.** * **Side Effects:** Watch for signs of profound lethargy, weakness, pale gums, or unexpected behavioral changes (such as aggression). Contact your veterinarian if these occur. * **Do Not Stop Abruptly:** Do not suddenly discontinue this medication without consulting your veterinarian, as it can cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure (rebound hypertension). * **Accidental Ingestion:** Keep out of reach of all pets and children. If an overdose occurs, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Adjunctive antidiarrheal therapy for refractory cases of inflammatory bowel disease
- Epidural analgesia/analgesia
- Diagnosing hyposomatotropism
- Adjunctive antidiarrheal therapy for refractory cases of inflammatory bowel disease
- Control panic-like responses and fear-based behavioural problems
- Diagnostic test for pituitary dwarfism (hyposomatotropism)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Transient hyperglycemia
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Sedation
- Aggressive behavior
- Hypotension
- Collapse
- Bradycardia
- Transient sedation
- Rebound hypertension (if withdrawn abruptly)
Cautions & contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to clonidine
- Severe cardiovascular disease (use with extreme caution)
- Renal disease (use with extreme caution)
- Clonidine has a **narrow margin of safety**. It should be used with caution in patients with severe cardiovascular disease, including conduction disturbances or heart failure. Use very cautiously in patients with renal failure. Abrupt withdrawal, especially when used with beta-blockers, may cause rebound hypertension.
Drug interactions
- Antihypertensive drugs: Possible additive hypotensive effects
- Beta-adrenergic blocking agents (e.g., propranolol): May enhance bradycardia. If discontinuing, beta-blocker should be stopped first, then clonidine tapered to avoid rebound hypertension.
- CNS depressant drugs (opiates, barbiturates): May exacerbate the actions of other CNS depressant drugs
- Digoxin: Possible additive bradycardia
- Prazosin: May decrease the antihypertensive effects of clonidine
- Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline): May block the antihypertensive effects of clonidine
- Barbiturates: Increased central nervous system depression and hypotension
- Opiates: Additive sedation, bradycardia, and respiratory depression
- Beta-blockers: Additive hypotensive and bradycardic effects; may exacerbate rebound hypertension upon withdrawal
- Hypotensive agents: Additive lowering of blood pressure
Frequently asked questions
What is Clonidine used for in pets?
**Purpose:** Your veterinarian has prescribed clonidine to help manage your pet's condition, which may include severe diarrhea, pain management, or off-label use for severe anxiety and phobias. * **Strict Dosing:** Clonidine has a **narrow margin of safety**. Give the exact dose prescribed. **Never give more than directed.** * **Side Effects:** Watch for signs of profound lethargy, weakness, pale gums, or unexpected behavioral changes (such as aggression). Contact your veterinarian if these occur. * **Do Not Stop Abruptly:** Do not suddenly discontinue this medication without consulting your veterinarian, as it can cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure (rebound hypertension). * **Accidental Ingestion:** Keep out of reach of all pets and children. If an overdose occurs, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
Is Clonidine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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