Clonidine is a medication used to treat a variety of conditions, including high blood pressure, anxiety, and pain relief. It is an alpha-2 agonist, meaning it works to reduce the activity of certain nerves in the body. Clonidine was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1974 and has since become a widely used medication.
Clonidine is most commonly used to treat hypertension, or high blood pressure, by reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. This system is responsible for the “fight or flight” response and can cause blood pressure to rise. By blocking the activity of this system, clonidine can help reduce blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Clonidine is also used to treat anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. It works by reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and increasing the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system. This helps to reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heart rate and sweating.
Clonidine is also used to treat pain. It works by reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and increasing the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system. This helps to reduce the perception of pain and can help reduce the need for opioid pain medications.
Clonidine is available in a variety of forms, including tablets, patches, and injections. It is also available as a generic medication, meaning it is available at a lower cost than brand-name medications. Common side effects of clonidine include dry mouth, constipation, and drowsiness.
The active ingredients in clonidine are clonidine hydrochloride and clonidine tartrate. Clonidine hydrochloride is also known as Catapres, and clonidine tartrate is also known as Kapvay.
In conclusion, clonidine is a widely used medication used to treat hypertension, anxiety, and pain. It works by reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and increasing the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system. It is available in a variety of forms, including tablets, patches, and injections, and is also available as a generic medication. Common side effects of clonidine include dry mouth, constipation, and drowsiness.
References:
1. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2021, January 27). Clonidine. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682060.html
2. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020, November 19). Clonidine Hydrochloride. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682062.html
3. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020, November 19). Clonidine Tartrate. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682063.html