Clonidine - Catapres
Indications
Clonidine is a short acting anxiety medication that is used to reduce the physical feelings of anxiety and fear. It is typically used in pets with fear based behavioural problems such as phobias and aggression. It may most often be used in patients who experience increased arousal or reactivity. Clonidine is typically used alongside long acting behaviour medications that are given daily.
How to use
Any behaviour medication works best when used alongside a behaviour modification plan - that is practical management and teaching your pet different coping mechanisms. How you give Clonidine will depend on the purpose of giving the medication. Clonidine is most usually given 1.5-2 hours prior to stressful events, exposure or training. It can be used up to every 8 hours if required. The starting dose initially prescribed by Dr. Michelle will be at the very low end. Please do not be discouraged if the medications appear to ‘not work’ at this low dose, the purpose is to make sure there are no unusual side effects. It is very important that the medication is increased slowly and methodically, and this is usually done over 5-10 dosing trials done on different days. Keeping a little diary on the effects of each dose can be helpful in working out which dose is best for your pet.
I usually recommend doing 1-3 days of each dose as you increase. There are many external factors that affect how our dogs feel, to the best of our ability we want to know the effect of just the medicine on helping to implement our training plan.
What is it?
Clonidine belongs to a group of medications called alpha-2-agonists. These medications work to change the levels of noradrenaline (part of the adrenaline family) and other hormones in the body. It has a wide range of effects, including on blood pressure, muscle relaxation, behaviour. For pets that feel the physical effects of their anxiety, managing the amount of ‘flight or fight’ hormones in the body may help to lessen their arousal.
Side effects
The most common side effects of Clonidine include dry mouth, dizziness, constipation and mild sedation. This medication should not be used in pets with known heart disease. To minimise the risk of side effects, your veterinarian will instruct you to increase the dose slowly of the medication as required.
Drug interactions
Clonidine should be used cautiously with pets on other medications that affect blood pressure and the heart. Speak to your veterinarian if you have any concerns about using clonidine.
Where to get it
Clonidine as a human medication, is available through a script at a regular pharmacy. There is also the option to get this medication made up at the right dose for your dog through a compounding pharmacy with a script. This often is a good option if the dose you need is high (eg 12 tablets per dose).
Off label use
In Australia, we only have only one medication registered for treating behaviour problems. This means many of the medications we use are considered ‘off label’. These medications still have excellent evidence for their use, and lots of data about their effects and side effects, however it is essential that you feel well informed about their off label use. Please read all the information thoroughly to ensure you feel well informed about the risks and benefits of using this medication.