If you’ve been prescribed clonidine, the biggest question is probably: "How many milligrams should I take?" The answer depends on why you’re using it, your age, and how your body reacts. Below we break down the most common dosing schedules, give you practical tips for adjusting the dose, and point out safety traps to avoid.
Hypertension (high blood pressure): Most doctors start adults on 0.1 mg taken twice a day. If that works, they may increase the dose by 0.1 mg every week until you reach 0.2–0.4 mg twice daily. The max usual adult dose is 0.6 mg per day (split into two doses).
ADHD in children and adolescents: The starting point is usually 0.05 mg once a day at bedtime, especially for kids under 12. After a week you can add another 0.05 mg in the morning if needed, aiming for a total of 0.1–0.2 mg per day. Some teens tolerate up to 0.4 mg daily, but that’s decided case‑by‑case.
Pain relief (off‑label): Doses are similar to the hypertension range – start low, 0.1 mg twice a day, and titrate slowly.
Renal or hepatic impairment: Reduce the starting dose by half (e.g., 0.05 mg twice daily) because the drug stays longer in your system.
Never jump straight to a higher dose. Clonidine can cause dizziness, dry mouth and low blood pressure if you go too fast. Increase by no more than 0.1 mg every 5–7 days while monitoring how you feel.
If you need to stop the medication, do it gradually. Cutting off clonidine abruptly may trigger a rebound spike in blood pressure or intense anxiety. A typical taper schedule is decreasing the dose by 0.1 mg every week until you’re off.
Keep your tablets whole. Crushing or chewing changes how quickly the drug enters your bloodstream, which can lead to sudden drops in heart rate.
Take the doses at the same times each day – morning and bedtime for hypertension, usually just bedtime for ADHD. Consistency helps keep blood levels steady and reduces side‑effects.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for your next one. In that case, skip the missed dose; don’t double up.
Watch out for drug interactions. Antidepressants like fluoxetine or certain antihypertensives can amplify clonidine’s effects, making you feel too sleepy or dizzy. Always tell your doctor about other meds, over‑the‑counter drugs, and supplements.
Finally, track your blood pressure (or ADHD symptoms) at home. A simple log helps both you and your prescriber see if the current dose is working or needs adjustment.
Clonidine works well when you start low, go slow, and stay consistent. If you follow these basics, you’ll get the therapeutic benefit without unnecessary side‑effects.
