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Peds Calc

Pediatric Reference

Clonidine Side EffectsComprehensive Pediatric Safety Guide

Clonidine is associated with sedation, hypotension, and dry mouth.

3 Categories
4 Clinical Sources
Evidence-Based
Back to Clonidine Overview

Essential Information

1

Expect some fatigue when starting therapy.

2

Monitor heart rate and blood pressure.

3

Taper slowly when discontinuing.

Clinical Overview

Abrupt withdrawal can cause rebound hypertension; taper carefully.

Side Effect Categories

3 Systems

Neurologic

1 documented effect

Total Sources: 1

Sedation/drowsiness

Incidence: Common
Onset: Not specified
mild
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Adjust dosing schedule or reduce dose.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Cardiovascular

2 documented effects

Total Sources: 2

Hypotension

Incidence: Common
Onset: Not specified
moderate
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Monitor vitals; adjust dose if symptomatic.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Rebound hypertension

Incidence: Uncommon
Onset: Not specified
serious
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Taper slowly; seek urgent care for severe headache or BP spike.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Gastrointestinal

1 documented effect

Total Sources: 1

Dry mouth

Incidence: Common
Onset: Not specified
mild
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Offer water or sugar-free gum.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Parent Communication Guide

Age-Appropriate Explanations

Infants (0-12 months)

For babies taking Clonidine, watch for signs of side effects. This medication is generally well-tolerated in infants when used as directed.

Toddlers (1-3 years)

If your toddler is taking Clonidine, they might feel different. This is usually temporary and normal.

Children (4-12 years)

This medicine helps calm your body. Tell us if you feel dizzy or too sleepy.

Adolescents (13+ years)

Take clonidine at the same time daily and never stop suddenly without medical advice.

Common Parent Concerns

Q: Sleepiness at school

A: Adjust schedule or split doses with clinician guidance.

When to validate: Call if sedation causes safety issues.

Q: Dry mouth

A: Encourage water, sugar-free gum.

When to validate: Seek care for difficulty swallowing or speech.

Clinical Decision Support

Severity Assessment Framework

Clinical assessment framework for Clonidine adverse effects using standardized severity grading.

Mild
Indicators: Minimal symptoms, No functional impairment, Patient comfortable continuing
Action: Continue medication with supportive care and routine monitoring
Moderate
Indicators: Noticeable symptoms, Some functional impact, Patient/family concerned
Action: Consider dose adjustment, increase monitoring frequency, provide supportive care
Severe
Indicators: Significant symptoms, Functional impairment, Quality of life affected
Action: Consider discontinuation, evaluate alternatives, close clinical follow-up

Treatment Decision Guidelines

Immediate Discontinuation

  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Life-threatening adverse effects
  • Signs of toxicity

Consider Alternatives

  • Persistent moderate side effects
  • Inadequate therapeutic response
  • Patient/family preference

Dose Modification

  • Mild side effects with good efficacy
  • Age-related sensitivity
  • Drug interaction concerns

Clinical References

ClonidineMedlinePlus (2024)Drug information
Clonidine for ASD/ADHD or sleep problemsMedicines for Children (2024)Patient information

Frequently Asked Questions

Parent and clinician concerns about Clonidine