Clonidine ER

KAPVAY

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Pronunciation: KLOE-ni-deen (KAP-vay)

Clonidine ER ballicule: receptor binding, kinetics and half-life diagram — Mechanism of action: Clonidine ER ballicule

Clonidine ER KAPVAY mascot mnemonic cartoon — Visual mnemonic: Clonidine ER mascot
**“Capped Clown dines”**
orange plus signs → alpha-2 agonist

What it isClonidine ER (KAPVAY, 2010) is a central alpha-2 agonist reducing sympathetic output; nonstimulant ADHD treatment, approved ages: 6-17.

Why this oneDuration of action 12-16 h (Carlat Table 1); it is more sedating and blood-pressure lowering than guanfacine ER, which can help when insomnia accompanies ADHD.

What limits itSomnolence, bradycardia and hypotension limit use; titrate weekly, avoid abrupt stop to prevent rebound hypertension.

Clonidine ER molecular structure (skeletal formula) — Molecular structure: Clonidine ER

Clonidine ER prescription history

Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, ADHD meds (1938–2026). Clonidine ER enters in 2010 (estimated).

FDA-approved for

ADHD (2010)

NO BOXED WARNINGS

Principal riskRebound hypertension on abrupt withdrawal

Classes and tags

Clinical profile

Therapeutic safety burden2 / 4

Overdose danger1 / 4

Weight-gain liability0 / 4

Sedation liability2 / 4

QT / Torsades0 / 4

Direct muscarinic antagonism0 / 4

Embryofetal risk1 / 4

Legacy pregnancy categoryC

Defining liabilityGenerally tolerated at therapeutic doses; clinically important risks are agent-specific and increase with interactions or organ impairment.

Available strengths

ER tab 0.1 mg

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Memory aids: interaction avatars

Box: minimal PK interactions

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Self-check

What age range is approved for clonidine ER’s ADHD label?
6–17.
How does clonidine ER compare with guanfacine ER for sedation and BP lowering?
More sedating and BP-lowering.