Patient Information ⮝
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved Patient Labeling (Patient Information)
Dosage and Administration
Advise patients that clonidine HCl extended-release must be swallowed whole, never crushed, cut, or chewed, and may be taken with or without food. When initiating treatment, provide dosage escalation instructions[seeDosage and Administration (2.1)].
Missed Dose
If patients miss a dose of clonidine HCl extended-release, advise them to skip the dose and take the next dose as scheduled and not to take more than the prescribed total daily amount of clonidine HCl extended-release in any 24-hour period[seeDosage and Administration (2.4)].
Hypotension/Bradycardia
Advise patients who have a history of syncope or may have a condition that predisposes them to syncope, such as hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, or dehydration, to avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated[seeWarnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Sedation and Somnolence
Instruct patients to use caution when driving a car or operating hazardous machinery until they know how they will respond to treatment with clonidine HCl extended-release. Also advise patients to avoid the use of clonidine HCl extended-release with other centrally active depressants and with alcohol[seeWarnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Rebound Hypertension
Advise patients not to discontinue clonidine HCl extended-release abruptly[seeWarnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Allergic Reactions
Advise patients to discontinue clonidine HCl extended-release and seek immediate medical attention if any signs or symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction occur, such as generalized rash, urticaria, or angioedema[seeWarnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Distributed by:
Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Clonidine Hcl Extended-release Tablets? ⮝
- Do not take clonidine HCl extended-release tablets if you are allergic to clonidine in clonidine HCl extended-release tablets.
- Take clonidine HCl extended-release tablets exactly as your doctor tells you to take it.
- Your doctor will tell you how many clonidine HCl extended-release tablets to take and when to take them. Your doctor may change your dose of clonidine HCl extended-release tablets. Do not change your dose of clonidine HCl extended-release tablets without talking to your doctor.
- Do not stop taking clonidine HCl extended-release tablets without talking to your doctor.
- Clonidine HCl extended-release tablets can be taken with or without food.
- Clonidine HCl extended-release tablets should be taken 2 times a day (in the morning and at bedtime).
- If you miss a dose of clonidine HCl extended-release tablets, skip the missed dose. Just take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take two doses at the same time.
- Take clonidine HCl extended-release tablets whole. Do not chew, crush or break clonidine HCl extended-release tablets. Tell your doctor if you cannot swallow clonidine HCl extended-release tablets whole. You may need a different medicine.
- If you take too much clonidine HCl extended-release tablets, call your Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.
What should I avoid while taking
May Cause Serious Side Effects, Including: ⮝
- Low blood pressure and low heart rate.Your doctor should check your heart rate and blood pressure before starting treatment and regularly during treatment with clonidine HCl extended-release tablets.
- Sleepiness.
- Withdrawal symptoms. Suddenly stopping clonidine HCl extended-release tablets may cause withdrawal symptoms including: increased blood pressure, headache, increased heart rate, lightheadedness, tightness in your chest and nervousness.
The Most Common Side Effects Of Clonidine Hcl Extended-release Tablets Include: ⮝
- sleepiness
- tiredness
- irritability
- trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- nightmare
- constipation
- dry mouth
- decreased appetite
- dizziness
Tell your doctor if you have any side effects that bother you or that does not go away.
These are not all of the possible side effects of clonidine HCl extended-release tablets. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store
- Highlights Of Prescribing Information
- Indications And Usage
- Dosage And Administration
- Dosage Forms And Strengths
- Contraindications
- Warnings And Precautions
- Adverse Reactions
- Drug Interactions
- Use In Specific Populations
- 1 Indications And Usage
- 2 Dosage And Administration
- 3 Dosage Forms And Strengths
- 4 Contraindications
- 5 Warnings And Precautions
- 6 Adverse Reactions
- 7 Drug Interactions
- 8 Use In Specific Populations
- 9 Drug Abuse And Dependence
- 10 Overdosage
- 11 Description
- 12 Clinical Pharmacology
- 13 Nonclinical Toxicology
- 14 Clinical Studies
- 16 How Supplied/storage And Handling
- Principal Display Panel
Highlights Of Prescribing Information ⮝
These highlights do not include all the information needed to use CLONIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLETS safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for CLONIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLETS.
CLONIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE extended-release tablets, for oral use
Initial U.S. Approval: 1974
Indications And Usage ⮝
- Clonidine hydrochloride (HCl) extended-release tablets are a centrally acting alpha2-adrenergic agonist indicated for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as monotherapy or as adjunctive therapy to stimulant medications. (1)
Dosage And Administration ⮝
- Start with one 0.1 mg tablet at bedtime for one week. Increase daily dosage in increments of 0.1 mg/day at weekly intervals until the desired response is achieved. Take twice a day, with either an equal or higher split dosage being given at bedtime, as depicted below (2.2)
Total Daily Dose Morning Dose Bedtime Dose 0.1 mg/day 0.1 mg 0.2 mg/day 0.1 mg 0.1 mg 0.3 mg/day 0.1 mg 0.2 mg 0.4 mg/day 0.2 mg 0.2 mg
- Do not crush, chew or break tablet before swallowing. (2.1)
- Do not substitute for other clonidine products on a mg-per-mg basis, because of differing pharmacokinetic profiles. (2.1)
- When discontinuing, taper the dose in decrements of no more than 0.1 mg every 3 to 7 days to avoid rebound hypertension. (2.3)
Dosage Forms And Strengths ⮝
Extended-release tablets: 0.1 mg not scored. (3)
Contraindications ⮝
History of a hypersensitivity reaction to clonidine. Reactions have included generalized rash, urticaria, angioedema. (4)
Warnings And Precautions ⮝
- Hypotension/bradycardia/syncope: Titrate slowly and monitor vital signs frequently in patients at risk for hypotension, heart block, bradycardia, syncope, cardiovascular disease, vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease or chronic renal failure. Measure heart rate and blood pressure prior to initiation of therapy, following dose increases, and periodically while on therapy. Avoid concomitant use of drugs with additive effects unless clinically indicated. Advise patients to avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated. (5.1)
- Somnolence/Sedation: Has been observed with clonidine HCl extended-release. Consider the potential for additive sedative effects with CNS depressant drugs. Caution patients against operating heavy equipment or driving until they know how they respond to clonidine HCl extended-release. (5.2)
- Cardiac Conduction Abnormalities: May worsen sinus node dysfunction and atrioventricular (AV) block, especially in patients taking other sympatholytic drugs. Titrate slowly and monitor vital signs frequently. (5.5)
Adverse Reactions ⮝
Most common adverse reactions (incidence at least 5% and twice the rate of placebo) as monotherapy in ADHD: somnolence, fatigue, irritability, nightmare, insomnia, constipation, dry mouth. (6.1)
Most common adverse reactions (incidence at least 5% and twice the rate of placebo) as adjunct therapy to psychostimulant in ADHD: somnolence, fatigue, decreased appetite, dizziness. (6.1)
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Amneal Pharmaceuticals at 1-877-835-5472 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Drug Interactions ⮝
- Sedating Drugs: Clonidine may potentiate the CNS-depressive effects of alcohol, barbiturates or other sedating drugs. (7)
- Tricyclic Antidepressants: May reduce the hypotensive effect of clonidine. (7)
- Drugs Known to Affect Sinus Node Function or AV Nodal Conduction: Caution is warranted in patients receiving clonidine concomitantly with agents known to affect sinus node function or AV nodal conduction (e.g., digitalis, calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers) due to a potential for additive effects such as bradycardia and AV block. (7)
- Antihypertensive drugs: Use caution when co-administered with clonidine HCl extended-release. (7)
Use In Specific Populations ⮝
See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION.
Revised: 5/2019
1 Indications And Usage ⮝
Clonidine hydrochloride (HCl) extended-release tablets are indicated for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as monotherapy and as adjunctive therapy to stimulant medications [see Clinical Studies (14)].
2 Dosage And Administration ⮝
2.1 General Dosing Information
Clonidine HCl extended-release tablets are an extended-release tablet to be taken orally with or without food. Swallow tablets whole. Do not crush, chew, or break tablets because this will increase the rate of clonidine release.
Due to the lack of controlled clinical trial data and differing pharmacokinetic profiles, substitution of clonidine HCl extended-release tablets for other clonidine products on a mg-per-mg basis is not recommended [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
2.2 Dose Selection
The dose of clonidine HCl extended-release tablets, administered either as monotherapy or as adjunctive therapy to a psychostimulant, should be individualized according to the therapeutic needs and response of the patient. Dosing should be initiated with one 0.1 mg tablet at bedtime, and the daily dosage should be adjusted in increments of 0.1 mg/day at weekly intervals until the desired response is achieved. Doses should be taken twice a day, with either an equal or higher split dosage being given at bedtime (see Table 1).
Table 1 Clonidine HCl Extended-Release Tablets Dosing Guidance
Total Daily Dose
Morning Dose
Bedtime Dose
0.1 mg/day
0.1 mg
0.2 mg/day
0.1 mg
0.1 mg
0.3 mg/day
0.1 mg
0.2 mg
0.4 mg/day
0.2 mg
0.2 mg
Doses of clonidine HCl extended-release tablets higher than 0.4 mg/day (0.2 mg twice daily) were not evaluated in clinical trials for ADHD and are not recommended.
When clonidine HCl extended-release tablets are being added-on to a psychostimulant, the dose of the psychostimulant can be adjusted depending on the patient's response to clonidine HCl extended-release tablets.
2.3 Discontinuation
When discontinuing clonidine HCl extended-release tablets, the total daily dose should be tapered in decrements of no more than 0.1 mg every 3 to 7 days to avoid rebound hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
2.4 Missed Doses
If patients miss a dose of clonidine HCl extended-release tablets, they should skip that dose and take the next dose as scheduled. Do not take more than the prescribed total daily amount of clonidine HCl extended-release tablets in any 24-hour period.
3 Dosage Forms And Strengths ⮝
Clonidine HCl extended-release tablets are available in one strength, 0.1 mg as an extended-release formulation. The 0.1 mg tablets are white, round biconvex tablets debossed A over 16 on one side and plain on other side. Clonidine HCl extended-release tablets must be swallowed whole and never crushed, cut or chewed.
4 Contraindications ⮝
Clonidine HCl extended-release tablets are contraindicated in patients with a history of a hypersensitivity reaction to clonidine. Reactions have included generalized rash, urticaria, and angioedema [see Adverse Reactions (6)].
5 Warnings And Precautions ⮝
5.1 Hypotension/Bradycardia
Treatment with clonidine HCl extended-release can cause dose-related decreases in blood pressure and heart rate [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Measure heart rate and blood pressure prior to initiation of therapy, following dose increases, and periodically while on therapy. Titrate clonidine HCl extended-release slowly in patients with a history of hypotension, and those with underlying conditions that may be worsened by hypotension and bradycardia; e.g., heart block, bradycardia, cardiovascular disease, vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, or chronic renal failure. In patients who have a history of syncope or may have a condition that predisposes them to syncope, such as hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, or dehydration, advise patients to avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated. Monitor blood pressure and heart rate, and adjust dosages accordingly in patients treated concomitantly with antihypertensives or other drugs that can reduce blood pressure or heart rate or increase the risk of syncope.
5.2 Sedation and Somnolence
Somnolence and sedation were commonly reported adverse reactions in clinical studies. In patients that completed 5 weeks of therapy in a controlled, fixed dose pediatric monotherapy study, 31% of patients treated with 0.4 mg/day and 38% treated with 0.2 mg/day versus 4% of placebo treated patients reported somnolence as an adverse event. In patients that completed 5 weeks of therapy in a controlled flexible dose pediatric adjunctive to stimulants study, 19% of patients treated with clonidine HCl extended-release+stimulant versus 7% treated with placebo+stimulant reported somnolence. Before using clonidine HCl extended-release with other centrally active depressants (such as phenothiazines, barbiturates, or benzodiazepines), consider the potential for additive sedative effects. Caution patients against operating heavy equipment or driving until they know how they respond to treatment with clonidine HCl extended-release. Advise patients to avoid use with alcohol.
5.3 Rebound Hypertension
Abrupt discontinuation of clonidine HCl extended-release can cause rebound hypertension. In adults with hypertension, sudden cessation of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release formulation treatment in the 0.2 to 0.6 mg/day range resulted in reports of headache, tachycardia, nausea, flushing, warm feeling, brief lightheadedness, tightness in chest, and anxiety. In adults with hypertension, sudden cessation of treatment with immediate-release clonidine has, in some cases, resulted in symptoms such as nervousness, agitation, headache, and tremor accompanied or followed by a rapid rise in blood pressure and elevated catecholamine concentrations in the plasma.
No studies evaluating abrupt discontinuation of clonidine HCl extended-release in children with ADHD have been conducted; however, to minimize the risk of rebound hypertension, gradually reduce the dose of clonidine HCl extended-release in decrements of no more than 0.1 mg every 3 to 7 days. Patients should be instructed not to discontinue clonidine HCl extended-release therapy without consulting their physician due to the potential risk of withdrawal effects.
5.4 Allergic Reactions
In patients who have developed localized contact sensitization to clonidine transdermal system, continuation of clonidine transdermal system or substitution of oral clonidine HCl extended-release therapy may be associated with the development of a generalized skin rash.
In patients who develop an allergic reaction from clonidine transdermal system, substitution of oral clonidine HCl extended-release may also elicit an allergic reaction (including generalized rash, urticaria, or angioedema).
5.5 Cardiac Conduction Abnormalities
The sympatholytic action of clonidine may worsen sinus node dysfunction and atrioventricular (AV) block, especially in patients taking other sympatholytic drugs. There have been post-marketing reports of patients with conduction abnormalities and/or taking other sympatholytic drugs who developed severe bradycardia requiring IV atropine, IV isoproterenol, and temporary cardiac pacing while taking clonidine. Titrate clonidine HCl extended-release slowly and monitor vital signs frequently in patients with cardiac conduction abnormalities or patients concomitantly treated with other sympatholytic drugs.
6 Adverse Reactions ⮝
The following serious adverse reactions are described in greater detail elsewhere in labeling:
- Hypotension/bradycardia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Sedation and somnolence [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
- Rebound hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
- Allergic reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
- Cardiac Conduction Abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
6.1 Clinical Trial Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
Two clonidine HCl extended-release ADHD clinical studies (Study 1, CLON-301 and Study 2, CLON-302) evaluated 256 patients in two 8-week placebo-controlled studies.
A third clonidine HCl extended-release ADHD clinical study (Study 3, SHN-KAP-401) evaluated 135 children and adolescents in a 40- week placebo-controlled randomized-withdrawal study.
Study 1: Fixed-dose Clonidine HCl Extended-Release Monotherapy
Study 1 (CLON-301) was a short-term, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of two fixed doses (0.2 mg/day or 0.4 mg/day) of clonidine HCl extended-release in children and adolescents (6 to 17 years of age) who met DSM-IV criteria for ADHD hyperactive or combined inattentive/hyperactive subtypes.
Most Common Adverse Reactions (incidence of 5% and at least twice the rate of placebo): somnolence, fatigue, irritability, insomnia, nightmare, constipation, dry mouth.
Adverse Events Leading to Discontinuation of Clonidine HCl Extended-Release Five patients (7%) in the low dose group (0.2 mg), 15 patients (20%) in the high dose group (0.4 mg), and 1 patient in the placebo group (1%) reported adverse reactions that led to discontinuation. The most common adverse reactions that led to discontinuation were somnolence and fatigue.
Commonly observed adverse reactions (incidence of 2% in either active treatment group and greater than the rate on placebo) during the treatment period are listed in Table 2.
Table 2 Common Adverse Reactions in the Fixed-Dose Monotherapy Trial - Treatment Period (Study 1)
Percentage of Patients Reporting Event Preferred Term
Clonidine HCl Extended-Release
0.2 mg/day
N=76Clonidine HCl Extended-Release
0.4 mg/day
N=78Placebo
(N=76)PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS
Somnolence*
Nightmare
Emotional Disorder
Aggression
Tearfulness
Enuresis
Sleep Terror
Poor Quality Sleep38%
4%
4%
3%
1%
0%
3%
0%31%
9%
4%
1%
3%
4%
0%
3%4%
0%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS
Headache
Insomnia
Tremor
Abnormal Sleep-Related Event20%
5%
1%
3%13%
6%
4%
1%16%
1%
0%
0%GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS
Upper Abdominal Pain
Nausea
Constipation
Dry Mouth15%
4%
1%
0%10%
5%
6%
5%12%
3%
0%
1%GENERAL DISORDERS
Fatigue
Irritability16%
9%13%
5%1%
4%CARDIAC DISORDERS
Dizziness
Bradycardia7%
0%3%
4%5%
0%INVESTIGATIONS
Increased Heart Rate0% 3% 0% METABOLISM AND NUTRITION
DISORDERS
Decreased Appetite3%
4%
4%
* Somnolence includes the terms "somnolence" and "sedation".
Fatigue includes the terms "fatigue" and "lethargy".Commonly observed adverse reactions (incidence of 2% in either active treatment group and greater than the rate on placebo) during the taper period are listed in Table 3.
Table 3 Common Adverse Reactions in the Fixed-Dose Monotherapy Trial - Taper Period* (Study 1)
Percentage of Patients Reporting Event Preferred Term
Clonidine HCl Extended-Release
0.2 mg/day
N=76Clonidine HCl Extended-Release
0.4 mg/day
N=78Placebo
(N=76)Abdominal Pain Upper 0% 6% 3% Headache 5% 2% 3% Gastrointestinal Viral 0% 5% 0% Somnolence 2% 3% 0% Heart Rate Increased 0% 3% 0% Otitis Media Acute 3% 0% 0% * Taper Period: 0.2 mg dose, week 8; 0.4 mg dose, weeks 6 to 8; Placebo dose, weeks 6 to 8
Study 2: Flexible-dose Clonidine HCl Extended-Release as Adjunctive Therapy to Psychostimulants
Study 2 (CLON-302) was a short-term, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of a flexible dose of clonidine HCl extended-release as adjunctive therapy to a psychostimulant in children and adolescents (6 to 17 years) who met DSM-IV criteria for ADHD hyperactive or combined inattentive/hyperactive subtypes during which clonidine HCl extended-release was initiated at 0.1 mg/day and titrated up to 0.4 mg/day over a 3-week period. Most clonidine HCl extended-release treated patients (75.5%) were escalated to the maximum dose of 0.4 mg/day.
Most Common Adverse Reactions (incidence of 5% and at least twice the rate of placebo): somnolence, fatigue, decreased appetite, dizziness.
Adverse Events Leading to Discontinuation There was one patient in the CLON+STM group (1%) who discontinued because of an adverse event (severe bradyphrenia, with severe fatigue).
Commonly observed adverse reactions (incidence of 2% in the treatment group and greater than the rate on placebo) during the treatment period are listed in Table 4.
Table 4 Common Adverse Reactions in the Flexible-Dose Adjunctive to Stimulant Therapy Trial - Treatment Period (Study 2)
Preferred Term
Percentage of Patients Reporting Event
Clonidine HCl Extended-Release+STM
(N=102)
PBO+STM
(N=96)
PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS
Somnolence*
Aggression
Affect Lability
Emotional Disorder
19%
2%
2%
2%
7%
1%
1%
0%
GENERAL DISORDERS
Fatigue
Irritability
14%
2%
4%
7%
NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS
Headache
Insomnia
7%
4%
12%
3%
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS
Upper Abdominal Pain
7%
4%
RESPIRATORY DISORDERS
Nasal Congestion
2%
2%
METABOLISM AND NUTRITION DISORDERS
Decreased Appetite
6%
3%
CARDIAC DISORDERS
Dizziness
5%
1%
* Somnolence includes the terms: "somnolence" and "sedation".
Fatigue includes the terms "fatigue" and "lethargy".Commonly observed adverse reactions (incidence of 2% in the treatment group and greater than the rate on placebo) during the taper period are listed in Table 5.
Table 5 Common Adverse Reactions in the Flexible-Dose Adjunctive to Stimulant Therapy Trial - Taper Period* (Study 2)
Preferred Term
Percentage of Patients Reporting Event
Clonidine HCl Extended-Release+STM
(N=102)
PBO+STM
(N=96)
Nasal Congestion
4%
2%
Headache
3%
1%
Irritability
3%
2%
Throat Pain
3%
1%
Gastroenteritis Viral
2%
0%
Rash
2%
0%
* Taper Period: weeks 6 to 8
Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation
Thirteen percent (13%) of patients receiving clonidine HCl extended-release discontinued from the pediatric monotherapy study due to adverse events, compared to 1% in the placebo group. The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of clonidine HCl extended-release monotherapy treated patients were from somnolence/sedation (5%) and fatigue (4%).
Effect on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
In patients that completed 5 weeks of treatment in a controlled, fixed-dose monotherapy study in pediatric patients, during the treatment period the maximum placebo-subtracted mean change in systolic blood pressure was -4.0 mmHg on clonidine HCl extended-release 0.2 mg/day and -8.8 mmHg on clonidine HCl extended-release 0.4 mg/day. The maximum placebo-subtracted mean change in diastolic blood pressure was -4.0 mmHg on clonidine HCl extended-release 0.2 mg/day and -7.3 mmHg on clonidine HCl extended-release 0.4 mg/day. The maximum placebo-subtracted mean change in heart rate was -4.0 beats per minute on clonidine HCl extended-release 0.2 mg/day and -7.7 beats per minute on clonidine HCl extended-release 0.4 mg/day.
During the taper period of the fixed-dose monotherapy study the maximum placebo-subtracted mean change in systolic blood pressure was +3.4 mmHg on clonidine HCl extended-release 0.2 mg/day and -5.6 mmHg on clonidine HCl extended-release 0.4 mg/day. The maximum placebo-subtracted mean change in diastolic blood pressure was +3.3 mmHg on clonidine HCl extended-release 0.2 mg/day and -5.4 mmHg on clonidine HCl extended-release 0.4 mg/day. The maximum placebo-subtracted mean change in heart rate was -0.6 beats per minute on clonidine HCl extended-release 0.2 mg/day and -3.0 beats per minute on clonidine HCl extended-release 0.4 mg/day.
6.2 Postmarketing Experience
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of clonidine HCl extended-release. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. These events exclude those already mentioned in 6.1:
Psychiatric: hallucinations
Cardiovascular: Q-T prolongation
7 Drug Interactions ⮝
The following have been reported with other oral immediate release formulations of clonidine:
Table 6 Clinically Important Drug Interactions
Concomitant Drug Name or Drug Class
Clinical Rationale
Clinical Recommendation
Tricyclic antidepressants
Increase blood pressure and may counteract clonidine s hypotensive effects
Monitor blood pressure and adjust as needed
Antihypertensive drugs
Potentiate clonidine s hypotensive effects
Monitor blood pressure and adjust as needed
CNS depressants
Potentiate sedating effects
Avoid use
Drugs that affect sinus node function or AV node conduction (e.g., digitalis, calcium channel blockers, beta blockers)
Potentiate bradycardia and risk of AV block
Avoid use
8 Use In Specific Populations ⮝
8.1 Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C:
Risk Summary
There are no adequate or well-controlled studies with clonidine HCl extended-release in pregnant women. In animal embryofetal studies, increased resorptions were seen in rats and mice administered oral clonidine hydrochloride from implantation through organogenesis at 10 and 5 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD). No embryotoxic or teratogenic effects were seen in rabbits administered oral clonidine hydrochloride during organogenesis at doses up to 3 times the MRHD. Clonidine HCl extended-release should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Animal Data
Oral administration of clonidine hydrochloride to pregnant rabbits during the period of embryo/fetal organogenesis at doses of up to 80 mcg/kg/day (approximately 3 times the oral maximum recommended daily dose [MRHD] of 0.4 mg/day on a mg/m2 basis) produced no evidence of teratogenic or embryotoxic potential. In pregnant rats, however, doses as low as 15 mcg/kg/day (1/3 the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis) were associated with increased resorptions in a study in which dams were treated continuously from 2 months prior to mating and throughout gestation. Increased resorptions were not associated with treatment at the same or at higher dose levels (up to 3 times the MRHD) when treatment of the dams was restricted to gestation days 6 to 15. Increases in resorptions were observed in both rats and mice at 500 mcg/kg/day (10 and 5 times the MRHD in rats and mice, respectively) or higher when the animals were treated on gestation days 1 to 14; 500 mcg/kg/day was the lowest dose employed in this study.
8.3 Nursing Mothers
Clonidine hydrochloride is present in human milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother s clinical need for clonidine HCl extended-release and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from clonidine HCl extended-release or from the underlying maternal condition. Exercise caution when clonidine HCl extended-release is administered to a nursing woman.
8.4 Pediatric Use
The safety and efficacy of clonidine HCl extended-release in the treatment of ADHD have been established in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years of age. Use of clonidine HCl extended-release in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years of age is supported by three adequate and well-controlled studies; a short-term, placebo-controlled monotherapy trial, a short-term adjunctive therapy trial and a longer-term randomized monotherapy trial [see Clinical Studies (14)]. Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients below the age of 6 years has not been established.
Juvenile Animal Data
In studies in juvenile rats, clonidine hydrochloride alone or in combination with methylphenidate had an effect on bone growth at clinically relevant doses and produced a slight delay in sexual maturation in males at 3 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) for clonidine and methylphenidate.
In a study where juvenile rats were treated orally with clonidine hydrochloride from day 21 of age to adulthood, a slight delay in onset of preputial separation (delayed sexual maturation) was seen in males treated with 300 mcg/kg/day, which is approximately 3 times the MRHD of 0.4 mg/day on a mg/m2 basis. The no-effect dose was 100 mcg/kg/day, which is approximately equal to the MRHD. There was no drug effects on fertility or on other measures of sexual or neurobehavioral development.
In a study where juvenile rats were treated with clonidine alone (300 mcg/kg/day) or in combination with methylphenidate (10 mg/kg/day in females and 50/30 mg/kg/day in males; the dose was lowered from 50 to 30 mg/kg/day in males due to self-injurious behavior during the first week of treatment) from day 21 of age to adulthood, decreases in bone mineral density and mineral content were observed in males treated with 300 mcg/kg/day clonidine alone and in combination with 50/30 mg/kg/day methylphenidate and a decrease in femur length was observed in males treated with the combination at the end of the treatment period. These doses are approximately 3 times the MRHD of 0.4 mg/day clonidine and 54 mg/day methylphenidate on a mg/m2 basis. All these effects in males were not reversed at the end of a 4-week recovery period. In addition, similar findings were seen in males treated with a lower dose of clonidine (30 mcg/kg/day) in combination with 50 mg/kg/day of methylphenidate and a decrease in femur length was observed in females treated with clonidine alone at the end of the recovery period. These effects were accompanied by a decrease in body weight gain in treated animals during the treatment period but the effect was reversed at the end of the recovery period. A delay in preputial separation (sexual maturation) was observed in males treated with the combination treatment of 300 mcg/kg/day clonidine and 50/30 mg/kg/day methylphenidate. There was no effect on reproduction or sperm analysis in these males.
8.6 Renal Impairment
The impact of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of clonidine in children has not been assessed. The initial dosage of clonidine HCl extended-release should be based on degree of impairment. Monitor patients carefully for hypotension and bradycardia, and titrate to higher doses cautiously. Since only a minimal amount of clonidine is removed during routine hemodialysis, there is no need to give supplemental clonidine HCl extended-release following dialysis.
9 Drug Abuse And Dependence ⮝
9.1 Controlled Substance
Clonidine HCl extended-release is not a controlled substance and has no known potential for abuse or dependence.
10 Overdosage ⮝
Symptoms
Clonidine overdose: hypertension may develop early and may be followed by hypotension, bradycardia, respiratory depression, hypothermia, drowsiness, decreased or absent reflexes, weakness, irritability and miosis. The frequency of CNS depression may be higher in children than adults. Large overdoses may result in reversible cardiac conduction defects or dysrhythmias, apnea, coma and seizures. Signs and symptoms of overdose generally occur within 30 minutes to two hours after exposure.
Treatment
Consult with a Certified Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) for up-to-date guidance and advice.
11 Description ⮝
Clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets are a centrally acting alpha2-adrenergic agonist available as 0.1 mg extended-release tablets for oral administration. Each 0.1 mg tablet is equivalent to 0.087 mg of the free base.
The inactive ingredients are colloidal silicon dioxide, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, pregelatinized starch (corn) and sodium lauryl sulfate. The formulation is designed to delay the absorption of active drug in order to decrease peak to trough plasma concentration differences. Clonidine hydrochloride, USP is an imidazoline derivative and exists as a mesomeric compound. The chemical name is 2-(2,6-dichlorophenylamino)-2-imidazoline hydrochloride. The following is the structural formula:
C9H9Cl2N3 HCl Mol. Wt. 266.56
Clonidine hydrochloride, USP is an odorless, bitter, white, crystalline substance soluble in water and alcohol.
12 Clinical Pharmacology ⮝
12.1 Mechanism of Action
Clonidine stimulates alpha2-adrenergic receptors in the brain. Clonidine is not a central nervous system stimulant. The mechanism of action of clonidine in ADHD is not known.
12.2 Pharmacodynamics
Clonidine is a known antihypertensive agent. By stimulating alpha2-adrenergic receptors in the brain stem, clonidine reduces sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system and decreases peripheral resistance, renal vascular resistance, heart rate, and blood pressure.
12.3 Pharmacokinetics
Single-dose Pharmacokinetics in Adults
Immediate-release clonidine hydrochloride and clonidine HCl extended-release have different pharmacokinetic characteristics; dose substitution on a milligram for milligram basis will result in differences in exposure. A comparison across studies suggests that the Cmax is 50% lower for clonidine HCl extended-release compared to immediate-release clonidine hydrochloride.
Following oral administration of an immediate release formulation, plasma clonidine concentration peaks in approximately 3 to 5 hours and the plasma half-life ranges from 12 to 16 hours. The half-life increases up to 41 hours in patients with severe impairment of renal function. Following oral administration about 40% to 60% of the absorbed dose is recovered in the urine as unchanged drug in 24 hours.
About 50% of the absorbed dose is metabolized in the liver. Although studies of the effect of renal impairment and studies of clonidine excretion have not been performed with clonidine HCl extended-release, results are likely to be similar to those of the immediate release formulation.
The pharmacokinetic profile of clonidine HCl extended-release administration was evaluated in an open-label, three-period, randomized, crossover study of 15 healthy adult subjects who received three single-dose regimens of clonidine: 0.1 mg of clonidine HCl extended-release under fasted conditions, 0.1 mg of clonidine HCl extended-release following a high fat meal, and 0.1 mg of clonidine immediate-release under fasted conditions. Treatments were separated by one-week washout periods.
Mean concentration-time data from the 3 treatments are shown in Table 7 and Figure 1. After administration of clonidine HCl extended-release, maximum clonidine concentrations were approximately 50% of the clonidine immediate-release maximum concentrations and occurred approximately 5 hours later relative to clonidine immediate-release. Similar elimination half-lives were observed and total systemic bioavailability following clonidine HCl extended-release was approximately 89% of that following clonidine immediate-release.
Food had no effect on plasma concentrations, bioavailability, or elimination half-life.
Table 7 Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Clonidine in Healthy Adult Volunteers
Clonidine Immediate-release-Fasted
n=15
Clonidine HCl Extended-Release-Fed
n=15
Clonidine HCl Extended-Release-Fasted
n=14
Parameter
Mean
SD
Mean
SD
MEAN
SD
Cmax (pg/mL)
443
59.6
235
34.7
258
33.3
AUCinf
(hr*pg/mL)
7,313
1,812
6,505
1,728
6,729
1,650
hTmax (hr)
2.07
0.5
6.80
3.61
6.50
1.23
T1/2 (hr)
12.57
3.11
12.67
3.76
12.65
3.56
Figure 1 Mean Clonidine Concentration-Time Profiles after Single Dose Administration
Multiple-dose Pharmacokinetics in Children and Adolescents
Plasma clonidine concentrations in children and adolescents (0.1 mg bid and 0.2 mg bid) with ADHD are greater than those of adults with hypertension with children and adolescents receiving higher doses on a mg/kg basis. Body weight normalized clearance (CL/F) in children and adolescents was higher than CL/F observed in adults with hypertension. Clonidine concentrations in plasma increased with increases in dose over the dose range of 0.2 to 0.4 mg/day. Clonidine CL/F was independent of dose administered over the 0.2 to 0.4 mg/day dose range. Clonidine CL/F appeared to decrease slightly with increases in age over the range of 6 to 17 years, and females had a 23% lower CL/F than males. The incidence of "sedation-like" AEs (somnolence and fatigue) appeared to be independent of clonidine dose or concentration within the studied dose range in the titration study. Results from the add-on study showed that clonidine CL/F was 11% higher in patients who were receiving methylphenidate and 44% lower in those receiving amphetamine compared to subjects not on adjunctive therapy.
13 Nonclinical Toxicology ⮝
13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Clonidine HCl was not carcinogenic when administered in the diet of rats (for up to 132 weeks) or mice (for up to 78 weeks) at doses of up to 1,620 (male rats), 2,040 (female rats), or 2,500 (mice) mcg/kg/day. These doses are approximately 20, 25, and 15 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 0.4 mg/day on a mg/m2 basis.
There was no evidence of genotoxicity in the Ames test for mutagenicity or mouse micronucleus test for clastogenicity.
Fertility of male or female rats was unaffected by clonidine HCl doses as high as 150 mcg/kg/day (approximately 3 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis). In a separate experiment, fertility of female rats appeared to be adversely affected at dose levels of 500 and 2,000 mcg/kg/day (10 and 40 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis).
14 Clinical Studies ⮝
Efficacy of clonidine HCl extended-release in the treatment of ADHD was established in children and adolescents (6 to 17 years) in:
- One short-term, placebo-controlled monotherapy trial (Study 1)
- One short-term adjunctive therapy to psychostimulants trial (Study 2)
- One randomized withdrawal trial as monotherapy (Study 3)
Short-term Monotherapy and Adjunctive Therapy to Psychostimulant Studies for ADHD
The efficacy of clonidine HCl extended-release in the treatment of ADHD was established in 2 (one monotherapy and one adjunctive therapy) placebo-controlled trials in pediatric patients aged 6 to 17, who met DSM-IV criteria of ADHD hyperactive or combined hyperactive/inattentive subtypes. Signs and symptoms of ADHD were evaluated using the investigator administered and scored ADHD Rating Scale-IV-Parent Version (ADHDRS-IV) total score including hyperactive/impulsivity and inattentive subscales.
Study 1 (CLON-301), was an 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, fixed dose study of children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 (N=236) with a 5-week primary efficacy endpoint. Patients were randomly assigned to one of the following three treatment groups: clonidine HCl extended-release (CLON) 0.2 mg/day (N=78), clonidine HCl extended-release 0.4 mg/day (N=80), or placebo (N=78). Dosing for the clonidine HCl extended-release groups started at 0.1 mg/day and was titrated in increments of 0.1 mg/week to their respective dose (as divided doses). Patients were maintained at their dose for a minimum of 2 weeks before being gradually tapered down to 0.1 mg/day at the last week of treatment. At both doses, improvements in ADHD symptoms were statistically significantly superior in clonidine HCl extended-release-treated patients compared with placebo-treated patients at the end of 5 weeks as measured by the ADHDRS-IV total score (Table 8).
Study 2 (CLON-302) was an 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, flexible dose study in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 (N=198) with a 5-week primary efficacy end point. Patients had been treated with a psychostimulant (methylphenidate or amphetamine) for four weeks with inadequate response. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: clonidine HCl extended-release adjunct to a psychostimulant (N=102) or psychostimulant alone (N=96). The clonidine HCl extended-release dose was initiated at 0.1 mg/day and doses were titrated in increments of 0.1 mg/week up to 0.4 mg/day, as divided doses, over a 3-week period based on tolerability and clinical response. The dose was maintained for a minimum of 2 weeks before being gradually tapered to 0.1 mg/day at the last week of treatment. ADHD symptoms were statistically significantly improved in clonidine HCl extended-release plus stimulant group compared with the stimulant alone group at the end of 5 weeks as measured by the ADHDRS-IV total score (Table 8).
Table 8 Short-Term Trials
Study Number
Treatment Group
Primary Efficacy Measure: ADHDRS-IV Total Score
Mean Baseline Score (SD)
LS Mean Change from Baseline (SE)
Placebo-subtracted
Differencea (95% CI)
Study 1
Clonidine HCl Extended-Release (0.2 mg/day)
Clonidine HCl Extended-Release (0.4 mg/day)
Placebo
43.8 (7.47)
44.6 (7.73)
45.0 (8.53)
-15.0 (1.38)
-15.6 (1.33)
-6.5 (1.35)
-8.5 (-12.2, - 4.8)
-9.1 (-12.8, - 5.5)
--
Study 2
Clonidine HCl Extended-Release (0.4 mg/day) + Psychostimulant
Psychostimulant alone
38.9 (6.95)
39.0 (7.68)
-15.8 (1.18)
-11.3 (1.24)
-4.5 (-7.8, -1.1)
--
SD: standard deviation; SE: standard error; LS Mean: least-squares mean; CI: unadjusted confidence interval.
a Difference (drug minus placebo) in least-squares mean change from baseline.Maintenance Monotherapy for ADHD
Study 3 (SHN-KAP-401), was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized-withdrawal study in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years (n=253) with DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of ADHD. The study consisted of a 10-week, open-label phase (4 weeks of dose optimization and 6 weeks of dose maintenance), a 26-week double-blind phase, and a 4-week taper-down and follow-up phase. All patients were initiated at 0.1 mg/day and increased at weekly intervals in increments of 0.1 mg/day until reaching personalized optimal dose (0.1, 0.2, 0.3 or 0.4 mg/day, as divided doses). Eligible patients had to demonstrate treatment response as defined by 30% reduction in ADHD-RS-IV total score and a Clinical Global Impression-Improvement score of 1 or 2 during the open label phase. Patients who sustained treatment response (n=135) until the end of the open label phase were randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups, clonidine HCl extended-release (N=68) and Placebo (N=67), to evaluate the long-term efficacy of maintenance dose of clonidine HCl extended-release in the double-blind phase. The primary efficacy endpoint was the percentage of patients with treatment failure defined as a 30% increase (worsening) in ADHD-RS-IV total score and 2 points increase (worsening) in Clinical Global Impression Severity Scale in 2 consecutive visits or early termination for any reason. A total of 73 patients experienced treatment failure in the double-blind phase: 31 patients (45.6%) in the clonidine HCl extended-release group and 42 patients (62.7%) in the placebo group, with a statistically significant difference in the primary endpoint favoring clonidine HCl extended-release (Table 9). The cumulative proportion of patients with treatment failure over time during the double-blind phase is displayed in Figure 2.
Table 9 Treatment Failure: Double-Blind Full Analysis Set (Study 3)
Study 3
Double-Blind Full Analysis Set
Clonidine HCl Extended-Release
Placebo
Number of subjects
68
67
Number of treatment failures
31 (45.6%)
42 (62.7%)
Basis of Treatment Failure
Clinical criteriaa,b
11 (16.2%)
9 (13.4%)
Lack of efficacyc
1 (1.5%)
3 (4.5%)
Withdrawal of informed
assent/consent
4 (5.9%)
20 (29.9%)
Other early terminations
15 (22.1%)
10 (14.9%)
ADHD-RS-IV = Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-Rating Scale-4th edition; CGI-S = Clinical Global Impression-Severity
a At the same 2 consecutive visits a (1) 30% or greater reduction in ADHD-RS-IV, and (2) 2-point or more increase in CGI-S.
b Two subjects (1 placebo and 1 clonidine HCl extended-release) withdrew consent, but met the clinical criteria for treatment failure.
c Three subjects (all placebo) discontinued the study due to treatment failure, but met only the criterion for ADHD-RS-IV.Figure 2: Kaplan-Meier Estimation of Cumulative Proportion of Patients with Treatment Failure
(Study 3)
16 How Supplied/storage And Handling ⮝
Clonidine HCl extended-release tablets, 0.1 mg, are supplied as white, round biconvex tablets, debossed "A" over 16 on one side and plain on the other side.
They are available as follows:Bottles of 60: NDC 69238-1426-6
Store at 20 to 25 C (68 to 77 F); excursions permitted between 15 to 30 C (59 to 86 F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Dispense in a tight container.
Principal Display Panel ⮝
CLONIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE
clonidine tablet, extended release
Product Information Product Type HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG Item Code (Source) NDC:69238-1426 Route of Administration ORAL
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety Ingredient Name Basis of Strength Strength CLONIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE (UNII: W76I6XXF06) (CLONIDINE - UNII:MN3L5RMN02) CLONIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE 0.1 mg
Inactive Ingredients Ingredient Name Strength SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (UNII: 368GB5141J) LACTOSE MONOHYDRATE (UNII: EWQ57Q8I5X) STARCH, CORN (UNII: O8232NY3SJ) SILICON DIOXIDE (UNII: ETJ7Z6XBU4) MAGNESIUM STEARATE (UNII: 70097M6I30) HYPROMELLOSE 2208 (100000 MPA.S) (UNII: VM7F0B23ZI)
Product Characteristics Color WHITE Score no score Shape ROUND (biconvex) Size 6mm Flavor Imprint Code A;16 Contains
Packaging # Item Code Package Description Marketing Start Date Marketing End Date 1 NDC:69238-1426-6 60 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product 11/29/2017
Marketing Information Marketing Category Application Number or Monograph Citation Marketing Start Date Marketing End Date ANDA ANDA210052 11/29/2017
Labeler - Amneal Pharmaceuticals NY LLC (123797875) Revised: 5/2019 Document Id: b73d4186-08ca-4f7b-8901-b21d60085d29 34391-3 Set id: accb2879-7c0e-40d9-bc78-af78fc619609 Version: 10 Effective Time: 20190514 Amneal Pharmaceuticals NY LLC
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