An Introduction to the Dosage of Clonidine ER
The dosage of
clonidine ER (
Kapvay™) your child's healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- How your child responds to clonidine ER
- Other medications your child is taking
- Other medical conditions your child may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your child's dose unless the healthcare provider specifically tells you to do so.
This article refers only to Kapvay, the clonidine ER version approved to treat ADHD. There is another clonidine ER medication (Nexiclon™ XR) approved for treating high blood pressure.
Clonidine ER Dosing for ADHD
The usual starting dose of clonidine ER is 0.1 mg once daily at bedtime. Your child's healthcare provider may gradually increase the dose (only if necessary) as follows:
- First week -- clonidine ER 0.1 mg at bedtime
- Second week -- clonidine ER 0.1 mg in the morning and 0.1 mg at bedtime
- Third week -- clonidine ER 0.1 mg in the morning and 0.2 mg at bedtime
- Fourth week -- clonidine ER 0.2 mg in the morning and 0.2 mg at bedtime.
When stopping clonidine ER, it is usually recommended to gradually taper the dose down by 0.1 mg every three to seven days. Stopping clonidine ER abruptly might cause dangerously
high blood pressure (
hypertension), a rapid heart rate (tachycardia), and other symptoms.
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