Drug interactions
Amiodarone + Clonidine
Severity: Major
Amiodarone and Clonidine: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Both drugs slow heart rate and AV conduction. Used together they can cause marked bradycardia, sinus arrest or AV block, particularly in older patients or those with underlying conduction disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amiodarone and Clonidine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Amiodarone belongs to Cardiovascular; Clonidine belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic depression of sinus node and AV nodal function (central sympatholytic effect of clonidine plus amiodarone's antiarrhythmic effects).
What to do
Monitor heart rate and ECG at initiation and after dose changes, and avoid the combination in patients with sinus node or AV conduction disease. Never stop clonidine abruptly because of rebound hypertension.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Clonidine
- Acebutolol + Clonidine Major
- Amifostine + Clonidine Major
- Amoxapine + Clonidine Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Clonidine Major
- Atenolol + Clonidine Major
- Betaxolol + Clonidine Major
Other interactions of Amiodarone
- Amiodarone + Amisulpride Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Eliglustat Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amiodarone with Clonidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amiodarone and Clonidine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both drugs slow heart rate and AV conduction. Used together they can cause marked bradycardia, sinus arrest or AV block, particularly in older patients or those with underlying conduction disease.
How serious is the interaction between Amiodarone and Clonidine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor heart rate and ECG at initiation and after dose changes, and avoid the combination in patients with sinus node or AV conduction disease. Never stop clonidine abruptly because of rebound hypertension.
What other medicines interact with Clonidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clonidine with, for example, Acebutolol, Amifostine, Amoxapine. The full list is on the Clonidine page.
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