Combination drug: Combipres
Clonidine is a drug that blocks signals in the brain controlling heart rate and blood pressure. It is used to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. It is available alone in oral tablets, skin patches (Catapres®-TTS), and in a form for intravenous (iv) injection; and in an oral combination product. Clonidine is used with narcotics to treat severe pain and as an adjunct to alcohol withdrawal, narcotic detoxification, and quitting smoking.
Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.
 May be Beneficial: Supportive interaction—Taking these supplements may support or otherwise help your medication work better. | DHEA* |
| Depletion or interference | None known |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | None known |
| Adverse interaction | None known |
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
DHEA
DHEA supplementation (50 mg per day) has been shown to restore the response of beta-endorphin (a brain chemical involved in pain and pleasure sensations) to clonidine.1
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Alcohol
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Clonidine may intensify these effects, increasing the risk of accidental injury.2 To avoid problems, people taking clonidine should avoid alcohol.
References
1. Stomati M, Rubino S, Spinetti A, et al. Endocrine, neuroendocrine and behavioral effects of oral dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate supplementation in postmenopausal women. Gynecol Endocrinol 1999;13:15–25.
2. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Central Analgesics, Clonidine HCl. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Mar 1997, 246g–6k.
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2006-09-07
