Catapin Indications/Uses

Clonidine is used in the management of hypertension, including hypertensive crises although other drugs with fewer side effects are now generally preferred. It may be given in conjunction with a thiazide diuretic, but combination with a beta-blocker should be avoided where possible. Clonidine has also been used in the prophylactic treatment of migraine or recurrent vascular headaches and in the treatment of menopausal flushing. It is used in conjunction with opioids in the management of cancer pain and has been tried for various other forms of pain. Other uses of clonidine have included the symptomatic treatment of opioid withdrawal, the diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma and administration as eye drops in the management of glaucoma. It has also been tried in Tourette's syndrome and numerous other disorders.