Drug interactions
Clonidine + Diltiazem
Severity: Major
Clonidine and Diltiazem: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 depress sinus node and AV conduction, and combined use has been associated with severe sinus bradycardia, sometimes needing hospitalization or pacing. Hypotension may also be additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clonidine and Diltiazem 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.
Clonidine belongs to Cardiovascular; Diltiazem belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive bradycardic and hypotensive effects: central sympatholysis from clonidine plus calcium channel blockade of nodal tissue.
What to do
Monitor heart rate, ECG and blood pressure closely, particularly in older patients or those with conduction disease. Avoid abrupt clonidine withdrawal and choose an alternative if symptomatic bradycardia occurs.
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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References
Other interactions of Diltiazem
- Diltiazem + Flibanserin Contraindicated
- Diltiazem + Ivabradine Contraindicated
- Diltiazem + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Diltiazem + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Diltiazem Major
- Alfentanil + Diltiazem Major
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 Clonidine with Diltiazem?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clonidine and Diltiazem 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 depress sinus node and AV conduction, and combined use has been associated with severe sinus bradycardia, sometimes needing hospitalization or pacing. Hypotension may also be additive.
How serious is the interaction between Clonidine and Diltiazem?
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, ECG and blood pressure closely, particularly in older patients or those with conduction disease. Avoid abrupt clonidine withdrawal and choose an alternative if symptomatic bradycardia occurs.
What other medicines interact with Diltiazem?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Diltiazem with, for example, Flibanserin, Ivabradine, Lomitapide. The full list is on the Diltiazem page.
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