YSP Clonidine Dosage/Direction for Use

Intramuscular injection should only be administered to patients in a lying position.
One to two ampoules (150-300 mcg) by intramuscular injection undiluted, or given intravenously with 10 mL of normal saline over 5 minutes. May be repeated at intervals of 3 to 6 hours as necessary. Following intravenous injection, an initial pressor phase of 5-10 mmHg lasting approximately 5 minutes may occur. This effect can be lessened by slow administration. As clonidine is metabolised in the liver and excreted mainly by the kidneys, any hepatic or renal impairment may require a reduction in dosage. This product may be given in combination with guanethidine, alpha methyldopa or other antihypertensives to provide effective control of blood pressure in refractory cases. In this way, the dose of each individual drug may be reduced and side effects minimised. (See Table 1.)

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Renal impairment: Dosage must be adjusted: According to the individual antihypertensive response which can show high variability in patients with renal insufficiency; According to the degree of renal impairment.
Careful monitoring is required. Since only a minimal amount of clonidine is removed during routine haemodialysis, there is no need to give supplemental clonidine following dialysis.
Route of Administration(s): For intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) use.