Drug interactions
Clonidine + Verapamil
Severity: Major
Clonidine and Verapamil: 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 slow sinus node activity and atrioventricular conduction, so combined use can cause marked bradycardia or heart block. Severe sinus bradycardia needing pacemaker placement has been reported with this pairing.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clonidine and Verapamil 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; Verapamil belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic depression of sinoatrial and AV nodal function (calcium channel blockade plus central sympatholytic effect).
What to do
Monitor heart rate and ECG, particularly at initiation or dose changes, and consider an alternative antihypertensive in patients with conduction disease. Avoid abrupt clonidine withdrawal.
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 Verapamil
- Dofetilide + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Flibanserin + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Lomitapide + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Lonafarnib + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Verapamil 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 Verapamil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clonidine and Verapamil 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 sinus node activity and atrioventricular conduction, so combined use can cause marked bradycardia or heart block. Severe sinus bradycardia needing pacemaker placement has been reported with this pairing.
How serious is the interaction between Clonidine and Verapamil?
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, particularly at initiation or dose changes, and consider an alternative antihypertensive in patients with conduction disease. Avoid abrupt clonidine withdrawal.
What other medicines interact with Verapamil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Verapamil with, for example, Dofetilide, Flibanserin, Lomitapide. The full list is on the Verapamil page.
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