Clonidine adverse reaction

Antacids/Acid suppressants (Ritalin LA only) Because the modified release characteristics of Ritalin LA capsules are pH dependent, the coadministration of antacids or acid suppressants could alter the release of methylphenidate. Clonidine Serious adverse reactions have been reported in concomitant use with clonidine, although no causality for the combination has been established. 

Other medications, which will not be discussed in the following chapters, have psychotropic actions that are considered to be side effects or adverse effects. Thus, some antihistamines (Le. products used to counteract allergic reactions) induce fatigue and drowsiness, and the same applies to some myorelaxants. Older antihypertensives (Le. agents reducing blood pressure) such as alpha-methyldopa (Aldomet ) or clonidine (Catapres 1) can cause fatigue and depression. 

The most common adverse effects with clonidine are hypotension, dry mouth, drowsiness, and dermatoiogicai reactions. These are usually mild, but hypotensive effects may be significant in normotensive manic patients. Higher doses (e.g., 0.8 to 1.2 mg) have also been reported to induce a paradoxicai excitement in some patients (270). 

The major adverse effects of clonidine are dry mouth and sedation. These responses occur in at least 50% of patients and may require dmg discontinuation. However, they may diminish in intensity after several weeks of therapy. Sexual dysfunction also may occur. Marked bradycardia is observed in some patients. These and some of the other adverse effects of clonidine frequently are related to dose, and their incidence may be lower with transdermal administration of clonidine because antihypertensive efficacy may be achieved while avoiding the relatively high peak concentrations that occur after oral administration of the drug. About 15 to 20% of patients develop contact dermatitis when using clonidine in the transdermal system. Withdrawal reactions follow abrupt discontinuation of long-term therapy with clonidine in some hypertensive patients. 

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