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Clonidine

Prescription
Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist (Centrally Acting)
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
2 available
Interactions
3 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Stimulates alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brainstem, reducing sympathetic outflow, decreasing peripheral vascular resistance, heart rate, and blood pressure. Also has sedative and anxiolytic properties.

At a glance

Class
Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist (Centrally Acting)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature below 30°C

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for noise phobias, anxiety, and adjunct sedation
Dose
0.01–0.05 mg/kg
Route
PO, Transdermal
Frequency
q8–12h
🐈

Cat

Used for feline anxiety and urine spraying
Dose
0.0125–0.025 mg/cat
Route
PO
Frequency
q12h

Formulations

💊

Other — 2

Strength
—
Strength
—

Storage

Store at room temperature below 30°C

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Blood pressureHeart rateSedation levelBehavioral response

Interactions

Major — 2

Dexmedetomidine
major
Both are alpha-2 adrenergic agonists: additive bradycardia, hypotension, and sedation. Profound cardiovascular depression possible.
Management: Do not combine. Allow clonidine to be discontinued before dexmedetomidine sedation.
Propranolol
major
Clonidine withdrawal while on beta-blocker causes severe rebound hypertension (beta-blocker blocks compensatory vasodilation). Also, additive bradycardia during concurrent use.
Management: Never abruptly discontinue clonidine while on beta-blocker. If stopping clonidine, taper beta-blocker first, then taper clonidine slowly.

Moderate — 1

Trazodone
moderate
Both cause sedation and hypotension via different mechanisms. Additive CNS depression.
Management: Often used together for anxiety management. Use lower doses of both. Monitor for excessive sedation and hypotension.

Brands

Other markets

Catapres
Duraclon

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Clonidine?
Clonidine is a alpha-2 adrenergic agonist (centrally acting) used in pets. Stimulates alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brainstem, reducing sympathetic outflow, decreasing peripheral vascular resistance, heart rate, and blood pressure. Also has sedative and anxiolytic properties.
›What is Clonidine used for in pets?
Clonidine is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for noise phobias, anxiety, and adjunct sedation; Used for feline anxiety and urine spraying.
›What is the Clonidine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Clonidine is typically dosed as follows — Used for noise phobias, anxiety, and adjunct sedation: 0.01–0.05 mg/kg PO/Transdermal q8–12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Clonidine dose for cats?
For cats, Clonidine is typically dosed as follows — Used for feline anxiety and urine spraying: 0.0125–0.025 mg/cat PO q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Clonidine need a prescription?
Yes. Clonidine is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist).

Brimonidine
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Selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist that decreases aqueous humor production and increases uveoscleral outflow, reducing intraocular pressure. Also has neuroprotective effects on the optic nerve.
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Dexmedetomidine
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Highly selective alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist; produces dose-dependent sedation, analgesia, and anxiolysis by inhibiting noradrenaline release in the CNS (locus coeruleus)
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Medetomidine
Rx
Potent and selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist; produces dose-dependent sedation, analgesia, and muscle relaxation by reducing norepinephrine release centrally; racemic mixture (dexmedetomidine is the active enantiomer)
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