Clonidine is an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist used in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
| Absorption | Clonidine is rapidly absorbed, with 100% bioavailability when given by mouth (Tmax = 3 to 5 hours) |
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| Distribution | Clonidine is highly lipid soluble and distributes throughout the body. Clonidine is primarily to bound to albumin. |
| Metabolism | 50% hepatically, but does not seem to interact with other drugs via CYP450 system |
| Elimination | 50% is excreted unchanged by the kidneys |
| Half-life | 5 to 13 hours |
| Substrate of (Metabolized by) | |
|---|---|
| Induces | |
| Inhibits |
| Starting | ADHD: 0.025 mg BID or 0.05 mg daily |
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| Titration | ADHD: Increase every 3-7 days by 0.05 mg/day |
| Maximum | ADHD: Maximum 0.4 mg (children) |
| Taper | Slowly taper dose over several weeks to avoid withdrawal symptoms and rebound hypertension |
| Notes |