Clonidine (Off-Label)
Clonidine is a centrally acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. While originally approved as an antihypertensive agent, it is widely utilized off-label in psychiatric and pediatric populations to reduce sympathetic nervous system activity, helping with hyperactivity, tics, sleep onset, and withdrawal symptoms.
Dosage by Body Weight
Off-label dosing, especially in pediatric patients, must be highly individualized and titrated slowly. It is commonly started at a low dose at bedtime to minimize daytime sedation. Never discontinue clonidine abruptly, as this can cause severe rebound hypertension.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established in infants.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Consult a pediatric specialist
- Frequency
- Individualized
- Tracking Notes
- Rarely indicated in this weight range. Must be strictly monitored by a specialist if prescribed.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 0.025 mg (25 micrograms)
- Frequency
- Once daily at bedtime
- Tracking Notes
- Usually initiated at the lowest possible dose to evaluate tolerance and sedation.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 0.025 mg to 0.05 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily at bedtime or divided twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Monitor blood pressure and heart rate closely during initiation and titration.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 0.05 mg to 0.1 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily at bedtime or divided twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Doses may be slowly titrated upward by 0.025 to 0.05 mg increments weekly if clinically indicated and tolerated.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Safety and efficacy have not been established in infants. |
| 5-7 kg | Consult a pediatric specialist | Individualized | Rarely indicated in this weight range. Must be strictly monitored by a specialist if prescribed. |
| 8-10 kg | 0.025 mg (25 micrograms) | Once daily at bedtime | Usually initiated at the lowest possible dose to evaluate tolerance and sedation. |
| 11-15 kg | 0.025 mg to 0.05 mg | Once daily at bedtime or divided twice daily | Monitor blood pressure and heart rate closely during initiation and titration. |
| 16-20 kg | 0.05 mg to 0.1 mg | Once daily at bedtime or divided twice daily | Doses may be slowly titrated upward by 0.025 to 0.05 mg increments weekly if clinically indicated and tolerated. |
Formulation
Purpose
Commonly used off-label for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Tourette syndrome, tic disorders, pediatric insomnia (especially associated with ADHD or Autism), anxiety, hot flashes, and opioid withdrawal management.
Generic Name
Clonidine hydrochlorideBranded Drug Names
Clonidine (Off-Label) is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.