Drug interactions
Bretylium + Clonidine
Severity: Moderate
Bretylium and Clonidine: moderate 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 can cause hypotension, and bretylium commonly causes orthostatic hypotension by blocking norepinephrine release. Combined use may cause additive blood pressure lowering. Bretylium is now rarely available.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bretylium and Clonidine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive sympatholytic effects: central alpha-2 agonism and adrenergic neuron blockade.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure, including standing measurements, and adjust doses of either agent if hypotension occurs.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Clonidine
- Acebutolol + Clonidine Major
- Amifostine + Clonidine Major
- Amiodarone + Clonidine Major
- Amoxapine + Clonidine Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Clonidine Major
- Atenolol + Clonidine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bretylium with Clonidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bretylium and Clonidine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Both drugs can cause hypotension, and bretylium commonly causes orthostatic hypotension by blocking norepinephrine release. Combined use may cause additive blood pressure lowering. Bretylium is now rarely available.
How serious is the interaction between Bretylium and Clonidine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood pressure, including standing measurements, and adjust doses of either agent if hypotension occurs.
What other medicines interact with Clonidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clonidine with, for example, Acebutolol, Amifostine, Amiodarone. The full list is on the Clonidine page.
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