Back Pain and Clonidine

Clonidine is thought to relieve back pain by inhibiting pain signal transmission in spinal segments where the drug is introduced. Clonidine decreases the body's release of adrenaline and other hormones that increase blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety. It works works through the brain to relieve back pain.

Read more details about Clonidine.

When used as a back pain treatment, Clonidine injection is given through a thin, tube-like catheter that's inserted into the epidural space, the area just outside the membrane which encloses the spinal cord. Clonidine is given continuously using an infusion pump.

The dose of this medicine varies from patient to patient. For adults, the average dose is 30 mcg per hour, given as a continuous infusion.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Do not run out of this medicine.

• Wear disease medical alert identification.

• You may have certain heart tests before starting this medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

• If you are 65 or older, use this medicine with caution. You could have more side effects.

• The patch may contain conducting metal. Remove patch before MRI.

• If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• If you are taking this medicine and have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider before using over-the-counter products that may increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain natural products or supplements.

• You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities until you see how this medicine affects you.

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) or other medicines and natural products that slow your actions and reactions.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects you.

• Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.

• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.

• Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Dry eyes. Using artificial tears may help.

• Skin irritation.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Severe dizziness or passing out.

• Severe constipation.

• Feeling extremely tired or weak.

• Severe skin irritation.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.