Clonidine is available as an immediate-release (IR) oral tablet that you typically take twice per day. It’s important to take the clonidine dosage your doctor prescribes.

Clonidine comes as an IR oral tablet. With IR medications, the active drug is released into your bloodstream right away after you take it. It’s usually taken twice per day

Clonidine is approved for use in adults to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Clonidine also comes in these other forms: oral liquid suspension, extended-release oral tablet, skin patch, and injection. This article only covers clonidine IR oral tablet.

This article describes the dosage of clonidine, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about clonidine, including its uses and side effects, see this clonidine overview.

Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended for clonidine. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown here.

Clonidine forms

Clonidine is available as an IR oral tablet.

Clonidine strengths

Clonidine comes in three strengths:

  • 0.1 milligrams (mg)
  • 0.2 mg
  • 0.3 mg

Clonidine is approved to treat high blood pressure. The typical clonidine dosage for adults with high blood pressure is 0.1 mg twice per day, in the morning and the evening.

If needed, your doctor may slowly increase your daily dose by 0.1 mg until your blood pressure is well managed. To help reduce certain side effects, such as dry mouth or drowsiness, you may want to take the larger portion of your daily dose in the evening.

A typical dose range is 0.2 to 0.6 mg per day. The maximum recommended dose of clonidine is 2.4 mg per day.

Always follow your prescribing doctor’s instructions. Notify them if you experience any side effects that may prevent you from taking your medication.

Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you on how to take clonidine. Typically, recommendations for taking clonidine include:

  • taking your dose with or without food
  • splitting tablets in half if needed to help swallow them more easily
  • consuming your doses around the same times each day

How long do you take clonidine?

Clonidine is usually a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

Do not take more clonidine than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of clonidine overdose

Symptoms caused by an overdose of clonidine can include:

What to do in case you take too much clonidine

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much clonidine. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about clonidine’s dosage.

Can clonidine be used for anxiety or sleep problems? If so, what are the dosages?

Yes, clonidine IR oral tablets may be prescribed off-label for anxiety or sleep problems. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it for.

Because clonidine isn’t approved for these conditions, the drug’s manufacturer doesn’t provide recommended dosages for this use. Your doctor will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.

If you’d like to learn more about clonidine for anxiety or sleep problems, talk with your doctor.

What if I miss a dose of clonidine?

If you miss a dose of clonidine, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed one. If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.