Drug interactions
Clonidine + Opium tincture
Severity: Major
Clonidine and Opium tincture: 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
Opium tincture contains morphine and other opioids that depress the CNS, and clonidine adds sedation and hypotension. The combination can lead to excessive drowsiness, low blood pressure and respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clonidine and Opium tincture 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression and hypotension from opioid agonism and central alpha-2 agonism.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation, respiratory rate and blood pressure. Consider reducing the dose of one or both drugs if sedation 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 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 Opium tincture?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clonidine and Opium tincture 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. Opium tincture contains morphine and other opioids that depress the CNS, and clonidine adds sedation and hypotension. The combination can lead to excessive drowsiness, low blood pressure and respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Clonidine and Opium tincture?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation, respiratory rate and blood pressure. Consider reducing the dose of one or both drugs if sedation 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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