Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content ++ For further information, see CMDT Part 38-30 Clonidine & Other Sympatholytic Antihypertensives Overdose ++ Key Features ++ Symptoms usually resolve in 24 hours Deaths are rare Similar symptoms may occur after application of topical nasal decongestants chemically similar to clonidine; for example Oxymetazoline Tetrahydrozoline Naphazoline Brimonidine Apraclonidine Tizanidine ++ Clinical Findings ++ Bradycardia Hypotension Miosis Respiratory depression Coma Transient hypertension occasionally occurs as a result of peripheral α-adrenergic effects ++ Diagnosis ++ Clinical Not detected in usual toxicology screenings ++ Treatment ++ Symptomatic treatment is usually sufficient Maintain blood pressure with intravenous fluids Dopamine can also be used for hypotension Atropine is usually effective for bradycardia Activated charcoal Administer 60–100 g orally or via gastric tube, mixed in aqueous slurry Do not use for comatose or convulsing patients unless it can be given by gastric tube and the airway is protected by a cuffed endotracheal tube There is no specific antidote Tolazoline should not be used for clonidine overdose because its effects are unpredictable Naloxone has had anecdotal success GET ACCESS TO THIS RESOURCE Sign In Username Error: Please enter User Name Password Error: Please enter Password Forgot Username? Forgot Password? Sign in via OpenAthens Sign in via Shibboleth Get Free Access Through Your Institution Contact your institution's library to ask if they subscribe to McGraw-Hill Medical Products. Access My Subscription GET ACCESS TO THIS RESOURCE Subscription Options Pay Per View Timed Access to all of AccessMedicine 24 Hour $34.95 (USD) Buy Now 48 Hour $54.95 (USD) Buy Now Best Value AccessMedicine Full Site: One-Year Individual Subscription $995 USD Buy Now View All Subscription Options