Dr. Sy, is clonidine safe?

July 27, 2000

Dr. Sy,

Some people on this group are having success

with clonidine and I also see in the archives

where one of Dr.Nases patients is on clonidine.

Do you know anything about the long term effects

of taking this drug or are low doses harmless?

Thank you for Zinco,it was a godsend.

Rory.

July 30, 2000

Rory,

Clonidine, being an alpha 2 adrenergic agonist, is an anti-hypertensive drug

prescribed for many long-term, to control their high blood pressure. So, I

imagine that it is safe to take the low dose for controlling rosacea

flushing long term, if it is effective for you and if you are taking it with

supervision of a physician who is familiar with your total health and

medical history. Just be aware that if you have to discontinue Clonidine,

you need to do it under the guidance of a physician and to taper off

gradually so as to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Like any oral medication, it

may have adverse effects in some individuals and therefore, is not for

everyone. Many of the initial side effects do diminish with continued use.

Interestingly, I wonder whether or not topical clonidine will have any

effect on rosacea flushing and skin sensitivity. I had seen an article

before, reporting topical application of Clonidine giving relief to patients

with causalgia, a condition with sympathetically maintained pain.

Sy M.D.

Sy Skin Care