What is a boxed warning associated with Clonidine?

Clonidine carries a boxed warning regarding its use in the epidural form, primarily due to the risk of significant adverse effects, including severe hypotension, bradycardia, or even resultant coma in patients. This warning emphasizes the importance of careful monitoring and appropriate patient selection when administering clonidine via the epidural route, as the pharmacological effects can differ significantly from its oral or transdermal formulations.

The boxed warning serves to alert healthcare professionals to the heightened risks involved when using the drug in this specific manner, making it crucial to follow established guidelines and protocols. Clonidine is also known to act as a centrally acting alpha agonist, impacting blood pressure, and when administered epidurally, the effects can be more pronounced or unpredictable. Proper technique and patient assessment are vital to reduce the potential for serious complications associated with this route of administration.