Clonidine Dosage: What You Need to Know

When planning Clonidine dosage, the amount of clonidine prescribed to control blood pressure, treat ADHD, or ease opioid withdrawal. Also known as clonidine dosing, it requires careful adjustment based on the patient’s condition.

One of the biggest drivers of the dose is Hypertension, a chronic rise in arterial pressure that often responds well to low‑dose clonidine therapy. For most adults starting therapy, the initial dose sits around 0.1 mg twice daily, and clinicians watch the blood pressure response before deciding whether to increase to a max of 0.6 mg per day. The second major condition is ADHD, attention‑deficit/hyperactivity disorder where clonidine helps calm hyperactivity and improve sleep. Here the starting dose is typically lower—0.05 mg at bedtime—because the goal is symptom control without causing excessive sedation. A third scenario is Opioid withdrawal, the discomfort and autonomic surge that follows stopping opioids, often managed with a short‑term clonidine taper. Doses may reach 0.3 mg three times daily, but only for a brief period to avoid rebound hypertension.

Key Factors that Influence Clonidine Dosage

Beyond the primary condition, age and kidney function shape the final number. Pediatric patients, for example, fall under a separate Pediatric dosing, weight‑based calculations that keep the dose under 0.2 mg per day for most children. The rule of thumb: start low, go slow, and monitor heart rate and blood pressure every few days. Another factor is concurrent medication. Beta‑blockers or other central‑acting agents can amplify clonidine’s effect, so clinicians often reduce the dose by 25 % when such drugs are in the regimen. Finally, the formulation matters—extended‑release tablets provide steadier levels and may allow a once‑daily schedule, while immediate‑release tablets are better for rapid titration or short‑term withdrawal support.

Putting these pieces together, you’ll see three clear semantic links: Clonidine dosage encompasses pediatric dosing; clonidine dosage requires vigilant blood pressure monitoring; hypertension influences the starting dose; ADHD treatment relies on dosage tweaks for cognitive calm; and opioid withdrawal management benefits from dosage titration to curb symptoms without over‑lowering pressure. Understanding how each factor interacts makes the prescribing process less guesswork and more science.

Below you’ll find a curated set of articles that walk through specific dosing tables, safety checkpoints, and real‑world case examples. Whether you’re a patient looking for clear numbers or a practitioner needing a quick reference, the collection ahead breaks down each scenario with practical guidance.