Drug interactions
Clonidine + Ethanol
Severity: Moderate
Clonidine and Ethanol: 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
Alcohol and clonidine both cause sedation, and together they can increase drowsiness, dizziness, impaired psychomotor performance and hypotension. Alcohol may also worsen orthostatic blood pressure drops.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clonidine and Ethanol 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 CNS depression and vasodilatory or hypotensive effects.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid or minimize alcohol and to avoid driving or operating machinery if drowsy. Monitor for orthostatic hypotension.
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 Clonidine with Ethanol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clonidine and Ethanol 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. Alcohol and clonidine both cause sedation, and together they can increase drowsiness, dizziness, impaired psychomotor performance and hypotension. Alcohol may also worsen orthostatic blood pressure drops.
How serious is the interaction between Clonidine and Ethanol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid or minimize alcohol and to avoid driving or operating machinery if drowsy. Monitor for orthostatic hypotension.
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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