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Clonidine (Pf)

Pronounced

"KLON-i-deen"

Uses

Clonidine is used with another medication (an opioid) to treat severe pain in people with cancer. Clonidine belongs to a class of drugs known as central alpha agonists. It works by blocking the nerves in the spinal cord that send pain signals.

How to Use This Medication

This medication is given by injection into the area around the spinal cord (epidural) by a health care professional. It is given continuously using a small pump as directed by your doctor.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor. You may experience symptoms such as headache, fast heartbeat, nausea, anxiety, and flushing. A rapid rise in blood pressure may also occur when the drug is suddenly stopped. The risk is greater if you have used this drug for a long time or in high doses, or if you are also taking a beta blocker (such as atenolol). There have also been rare reports of severe, possibly fatal reactions (such as stroke) from stopping this drug too quickly, so it is important that you do not run out of clonidine. Tell your doctor right away if your infusion is interrupted or if you have any problems with your pump. To prevent any reactions while you are stopping treatment with this drug, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Report any new or worsening symptoms right away.

To prevent infection, learn how to handle the infusion pump and learn proper care of the injection site. Tell your doctor right away if there are any signs of infection around the injection site (such as swelling, redness, tenderness). See also Side Effects section.

Tell your doctor if your pain does not get better or if it gets worse.

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Information expires December 2025.