Clonidine (drug interactions)
Clonidine is a medication primarily used to lower blood pressure and alleviate withdrawal symptoms from alcohol and other substances. However, it is important to be aware of its potential drug interactions. Some supplements and herbs, such as Coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ 10), Yohimbe, and Coleus forskohlii, can interact negatively with clonidine. For instance, combining clonidine with Yohimbe is considered a potentially dangerous interaction. Additionally, Coleus forskohlii may have unpredictable effects due to its blood vessel-relaxing properties.
Patients are advised to avoid other herbs that can lower blood pressure, such as garlic and valerian root, as this may lead to hypotension when taken alongside clonidine. Furthermore, the use of St. John’s wort and ginseng is discouraged for those on clonidine. It’s also crucial to consider interactions with prescription medications, particularly those that lower blood pressure, central nervous system depressants, tricyclic antidepressants, and digoxin. To ensure safety, individuals should consult healthcare providers about all medications and supplements they are taking while on clonidine.
Clonidine (drug interactions)
DEFINITION: A drug often used to reduce blood pressure and to counter symptoms that occur during withdrawal from alcohol and other addictive substances.
INTERACTIONS: Coenzyme Q10, Coleus forskohlii, Yohimbe, St. John's wort, ginseng, various prescription medications
TRADE NAME: Catapres
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Effect: Supplementation Possibly Helpful
There is some evidence that clonidine might impair the body’s ability to manufacture the substance CoQ10. However, it has not yet been shown that CoQ10 supplements offer any particular benefit to those taking this medication.
Yohimbe
Effect: Probable Dangerous Interaction
Persons taking clonidine should not take yohimbe.
Coleus forskohlii
Effect: Theoretical Interaction
The herb Coleus forskohlii relaxes blood vessels and might have unpredictable effects if combined with clonidine.
Other Interactions
Several other interactions can occur between clonidine and various herbs, supplements, and prescription medications. Patients should discuss all medications they are taking with their healthcare providers. Individuals taking clonidine should avoid herbs that lower blood pressure, such as garlic, hawthorn berry, and valerian root. Because clonidine also lowers blood pressure, supplementation with these herbs could cause hypotension. St. John's wort and ginseng should also be avoided when taking clonidine. Patients taking prescription medications that lower blood pressure, central nervous system depressants, tricyclic antidepressants, and digoxin should also avoid taking clonidine due to adverse effects.
Bibliography
Brinker, F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2d ed., Sandy, Oreg.: Eclectic Medical, 1998.
"Clonidine (Catapres)." Everyday Health, www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/clonidine. Accessed 10 Sept. 2024.
Kishi, H., et al. "Bioenergetics in Clinical Medicine. III: Inhibition of Coenzyme Q10-Enzymes by Clinically Used Anti-hypertensive Drugs." Research Communications in Chemical Pathology and Pharmacology, vol. 12, no. 3, 1975, pp. 533-540.
"Taking Clonidine with Other Medicines and Herbal Supplements." NHS, 10 Feb. 2023, www.nhs.uk/medicines/clonidine/taking-clonidine-with-other-medicines-and-herbal-supplements. Accessed 10 Sept. 2024.
Yasaei, Rama. "Clonidine - StatPearls." NCBI, 17 July 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459124. Accessed 10 Sept. 2024.