CLONIDINE: 12,593 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

DESCRIPTION Clonidine transdermal system USP provides continuous systemic delivery of clonidine USP for 7 days at an approximately constant rate. Clonidine USP is a centrally acting alpha-agonist hypotensive agent. It is an imidazoline derivative with the chemical name 2, 6-dichloro-N-2-imidazolidinylidenebenzenamine and has the following chemical structure: C 9 H 9 Cl 2 N 3 M.W.

230.10 Chemical Structure System Structure and Components Clonidine transdermal system USP is a multi-layered film, 0.2 mm thick, containing clonidine USP as the active agent. The system areas are 4.33 cm 2 (clonidine USP 0.1 mg per day), 8.67 cm 2 (clonidine USP 0.2 mg per day) and 13 cm 2 (clonidine USP 0.3 mg per day) and the amount of drug released is directly proportional to the area (see Release Rate Concept ). The composition per unit area is the same for all three doses. The inactive ingredients are: aluminum, colloidal silicon dioxide, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, light mineral oil, microporous polypropylene membrane, pigmented polyethylene polyester film, polyisobutylene and silicon coated polyester film. Proceeding from the visible surface towards the surface attached to the skin, there are four consecutive layers: 1) a backing layer of polyester film; 2) a drug reservoir; 3) a microporous polypropylene membrane that controls the rate of delivery of clonidine USP from the system to the skin surface; 4) an adhesive formulation. Prior to use, a protective slit release liner of silicone coated polyester film that covers the adhesive layer is removed.

Cross

Section of the System: Figure Release Rate Concept Clonidine transdermal system USP is programmed to release clonidine USP at an approximately constant rate for 7 days. The energy for drug release is derived from the concentration gradient existing between a saturated solution of drug in the system and the much lower concentration prevailing in the skin. Clonidine USP flows in the direction of the lower concentration at a constant rate, limited by the rate-controlling membrane, so long as a saturated solution is maintained in the drug reservoir. Following system application to intact skin, clonidine USP in the adhesive layer saturates the skin site below the system. Clonidine USP from the drug reservoir then begins to flow through the rate-controlling membrane and the adhesive layer of the system into the systemic circulation via the capillaries beneath the skin. Therapeutic plasma clonidine USP levels are achieved 2 to 3 days after initial application of clonidine transdermal system USP.

The

4.33, 8.67 and 13 cm 2 systems deliver 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg of clonidine USP per day, respectively. To ensure constant release of drug for 7 days, the total drug content of the system is higher than the total amount of drug delivered. Application of a new system to a fresh skin site at weekly intervals continuously maintains therapeutic plasma concentrations of clonidine USP. If the clonidine transdermal system USP is removed and not replaced with a new system, therapeutic plasma clonidine USP levels will persist for about 8 hours and then decline slowly over several days. Over this time period, blood pressure returns gradually to pretreatment levels.

AND USAGE JAVADIN is indicated for the treatment of hypertension in adult patients, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions. These benefits have been seen in controlled trials of antihypertensive drugs from a wide variety of pharmacologic classes. There are no controlled trials demonstrating risk reduction with JAVADIN. Control of high blood pressure should be part of comprehensive cardiovascular risk management, including, as appropriate, lipid control, diabetes management, antithrombotic therapy, smoking cessation, exercise, and limited sodium intake. Many patients will require more than one drug to achieve blood pressure goals. For specific advice on goals and management, see published guidelines, such as those of the National High Blood Pressure Education Program’s Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC). Numerous antihypertensive drugs, from a variety of pharmacologic classes and with different mechanisms of action, have been shown in randomized controlled trials to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and it can be concluded that it is blood pressure reduction, and not some other pharmacologic property of the drugs, that is largely responsible for those benefits. The largest and most consistent cardiovascular outcome benefit has been a reduction in the risk of stroke, but reductions in myocardial infarction and cardiovascular mortality also have been seen regularly. Elevated systolic or diastolic pressure causes increased cardiovascular risk, and the absolute risk increase per mmHg is greater at higher blood pressures, so that even modest reductions of severe hypertension can provide substantial benefit. Relative risk reduction from blood pressure reduction is similar across populations with varying absolute risk, so the absolute benefit is greater in patients who are at higher risk independent of their hypertension (for example, patients with diabetes or hyperlipidemia), and such patients would be expected to benefit from more aggressive treatment to a lower blood pressure goal. Some antihypertensive drugs have smaller blood pressure effects (as monotherapy) in black patients, and many antihypertensive drugs have additional approved indications and effects (e.g., on angina, heart failure, or diabetic kidney disease). These considerations may guide selection of therapy. JAVADIN may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. JAVADIN is a central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, indicated for the treatment of hypertension in adult patients to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure has been shown to reduce the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions. ( 1 )

AND ADMINISTRATION

• Start with one 0.1 mg tablet at bedtime for one week. Increase daily dosage in increments of 0.1 mg/day at weekly intervals until the desired response is achieved. Take twice a day, with either an equal or higher split dosage being given at bedtime, as depicted below. ( 2.2 )

Total Daily Dose Morning Dose

Bedtime Dose 0.1 mg/day 0.1 mg 0.2 mg/day 0.1 mg 0.1 mg 0.3 mg/day 0.1 mg 0.2 mg 0.4 mg/day 0.2 mg 0.2 mg

• Do not crush, chew or break tablet before swallowing. ( 2.1 )
• Do not substitute for other clonidine products on a mg-per-mg basis, because of differing pharmacokinetic profiles. ( 2.1 )
• When discontinuing, taper the dose in decrements of no more than 0.1 mg every 3 to 7 days to avoid rebound hypertension. ( 2.3 )

2.1 General Dosing Information Clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets are an extended-release tablet to be taken orally with or without food. Swallow tablets whole. Do not crush, chew, or break tablets because this will increase the rate of clonidine release. Due to the lack of controlled clinical trial data and differing pharmacokinetic profiles, substitution of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets for other clonidine products on a mg-per-mg basis is not recommended <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]</span> .

2.2 Dose Selection The dose of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets, administered either as monotherapy or as adjunctive therapy to a psychostimulant, should be individualized according to the therapeutic needs and response of the patient. Dosing should be initiated with one 0.1 mg tablet at bedtime, and the daily dosage should be adjusted in increments of 0.1 mg/day at weekly intervals until the desired response is achieved. Doses should be taken twice a day, with either an equal or higher split dosage being given at bedtime (see Table 1).

Table

1 Clonidine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets Dosing Guidance Total Daily Dose Morning Dose Bedtime Dose 0.1 mg/day 0.1 mg 0.2 mg/day 0.1 mg 0.1 mg 0.3 mg/day 0.1 mg 0.2 mg 0.4 mg/day 0.2 mg 0.2 mg Doses of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets higher than 0.4 mg/day (0.2 mg twice daily) were not evaluated in clinical trials for ADHD and are not recommended. When clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets are being added-on to a psychostimulant, the dose of the psychostimulant can be adjusted depending on the patient's response to clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets.

2.3 Discontinuation When discontinuing clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets, the total daily dose should be tapered in decrements of no more than 0.1 mg every 3 to 7 days to avoid rebound hypertension <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]</span> .

2.4 Missed Doses If patients miss a dose of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets, they should skip that dose and take the next dose as scheduled. Do not take more than the prescribed total daily amount of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets in any 24-hour period.

CONTRAINDICATIONS Clonidine hydrochloride injection is contraindicated in patients with a history of sensitization or allergic reactions to clonidine. Epidural administration is contraindicated in the presence of an injection site infection, in patients on anticoagulant therapy, and in those with a bleeding diathesis. Administration of clonidine hydrochloride injection above the C4 dermatome is contraindicated since there are no adequate safety data to support such use (see WARNINGS ).

REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described in greater detail elsewhere in labeling: Hypotension/bradycardia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Sedation and somnolence [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Rebound hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Allergic reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )]

Cardiac Conduction

Abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Most common adverse reactions (incidence at least 5% and twice the rate of placebo) as monotherapy in ADHD: somnolence, fatigue, irritability, nightmare, insomnia, constipation, dry mouth. ( 6.1 ) Most common adverse reactions (incidence at least 5% and twice the rate of placebo) as adjunct therapy to psychostimulant in ADHD: somnolence, fatigue, decreased appetite, dizziness. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Tris Pharma, Inc. at (732) 940-0358 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

6.1 Clinical Trial Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of ONYDA XR for the treatment of ADHD in pediatric patients 6 years and older is based upon adequate and well-controlled studies of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets (referred to as “clonidine hydrochloride extended-release” in this section). The safety results of these adequate and well-controlled studies of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets are presented below. Two clonidine hydrochloride extended-release ADHD clinical studies (Study 1 and Study 2) evaluated 256 patients in two 8-week placebo-controlled studies. A third clonidine hydrochloride extended-release ADHD clinical study (Study 3) evaluated 135 pediatric patients 6 to 17 years of age in a 40-week placebo-controlled randomized‑withdrawal study.

Study

1: Fixed-dose clonidine hydrochloride extended-release Monotherapy Study 1 was a short-term, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of two fixed doses (0.2 mg/day or 0.4 mg/day) of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years of age who met DSM-IV criteria for ADHD hyperactive or combined inattentive/hyperactive subtypes.

Most Common Adverse

Reactions (incidence of ≥ 5% and at least twice the rate of placebo): somnolence, fatigue, irritability, insomnia, nightmare, constipation, dry mouth.

Adverse Reactions

Leading to Discontinuation of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release: Five patients (7%) in the low dose group (0.2 mg), 15 patients (20%) in the high dose group (0.4 mg), and 1 patient in the placebo group (1%) reported adverse reactions that led to discontinuation. The most common adverse reactions that led to discontinuation were somnolence and fatigue. Commonly observed adverse reactions (incidence of ≥2% in either active treatment group and greater than the rate on placebo) during the treatment period are listed in Table 1 .

Table

1: Common Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥2%of Patients Treated with Clonidine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets and Greater than the Rate of Placebo in the Fixed-Dose Monotherapy Trial -Treatment Period (Study 1)

Preferred Term

Clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets 0.2 mg/day N=76 (%) Clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets 0.4 mg/day N=78 (%) Placebo N=76 (%)

Psychiatric Disorders

Somnolence * Nightmare Emotional Disorder Aggression Tearfulness Enuresis Sleep Terror Poor Quality Sleep 38 4 4 3 1 0 3 0 31 9 4 1 3 4 0 3 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS Headache Insomnia Tremor Abnormal Sleep-Related Event 20 5 1 3 13 6 4 1 16 1 0 0 GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISORDERS Upper Abdominal Pain Nausea Constipation Dry Mouth 15 4 1 0 10 5 6 5 12 3 0 1 GENERAL DISORDERS Fatigue † Irritability 16 9 13 5 1 4 CARDIAC DISORDERS Dizziness Bradycardia 7 0 3 4 5 0 INVESTIGATIONS Increased Heart Rate 0 3 0 METABOLISM AND NUTRITION DISORDERS Decreased Appetite 3 4 4 * Somnolence includes the terms "somnolence" and "sedation". † Fatigue includes the terms "fatigue" and "lethargy". Commonly observed adverse reactions (incidence of ≥2% in either active treatment group and greater than the rate on placebo) during the taper period are listed in Table 2 .

Table

2: Common Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥2% of Patients Treated with Clonidine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets and Greater than the Rate of Placebo in the Fixed-Dose Monotherapy Trial -Taper Period* (Study 1)

Preferred Term

Clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets 0.2 mg/day N=76 (%) Clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets 0.4 mg/day N=78 (%) Placebo N=76 (%)

Abdominal Pain Upper

0 6 3 Headache 5 2 3 Gastrointestinal Viral 0 5 0 Somnolence 2 3 0 Heart Rate Increased 0 3 0 Otitis Media Acute 3 0 0 * Taper Period: 0.2 mg dose, week 8; 0.4 mg dose, weeks 6-8; Placebo dose, weeks 6-8 Study 2: Flexible-dose clonidine hydrochloride extended-release as Adjunctive Therapy to Psychostimulants Study 2 was a short-term, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of a flexible dose of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release as adjunctive therapy to a psychostimulant in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years of age who met DSM-IV criteria for ADHD hyperactive or combined inattentive/hyperactive subtypes, during which clonidine hydrochloride extended‑release was initiated at 0.1 mg/day and titrated up to 0.4 mg/day over a 3-week period. Most clonidine hydrochloride extended-release treated patients (75.5%) were escalated to the maximum dose of 0.4 mg/day.

Most Common Adverse

Reactions (incidence of ≥ 5% and at least twice the rate of placebo): somnolence, fatigue, decreased appetite, dizziness.

Adverse Reactions

Leading to Discontinuation: There was one patient in the clonidine hydrochloride extended-release + stimulant (group (1%) who discontinued because of an adverse event (severe bradyphrenia, with severe fatigue). Commonly observed adverse reactions (incidence of ≥2% in the treatment group and greater than the rate on placebo) during the treatment period are listed in Table 3 .

Table

3: Common Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥2% of Patients Treated with Clonidine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets and Greater than the Rate of Placebo in the Flexible-Dose Adjunctive to Stimulant Therapy Trial -Treatment Period (Study 2)

Preferred Term

Clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets + Stimulant N=102 (%) PBO+Stimulant N=96 (%)

Psychiatric Disorders

Somnolence+ Aggression Affect Lability Emotional Disorder 19 2 2 2 7 1 1 0 GENERAL DISORDERS Fatigue† Irritability 14 2 4 7 NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS Headache Insomnia 7 4 12 3 GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISORDERS Upper Abdominal Pain 7 4 RESPIRATORY DISORDERS Nasal Congestion 2 2 METABOLISM AND NUTRITION DISORDERS Decreased Appetite 6 3 CARDIAC DISORDERS Dizziness 5 1 + Somnolence includes the terms: "somnolence" and "sedation" † Fatigue includes the terms "fatigue" and "lethargy" Commonly observed adverse reactions (incidence of ≥2% in the treatment group and greater than the rate on placebo) during the taper period are listed in Table 4 .

Table

4: Common Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥2% of Patients Treated with Clonidine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets and Greater than the Rate of Placebo in the Flexible-Dose Adjunctive to Stimulant Therapy Trial -Taper Period + (Study 2)

Preferred Term

Clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets + Stimulant N=102 (%) Placebo+Stimulant N=96 (%)

Nasal Congestion

4 2 Headache 3 1 Irritability 3 2 Throat Pain 3 1 Gastroenteritis Viral 2 0 Rash 2 0 + Taper Period: weeks 6-8 Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation Thirteen percent (13%) of patients receiving clonidine hydrochloride extended-release discontinued from the pediatric monotherapy study due to adverse reactions, compared to 1% in the placebo group. The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release monotherapy treated patients were somnolence/sedation (5%) and fatigue (4%). Effect on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate In patients that completed 5 weeks of treatment in a controlled, fixed-dose monotherapy study in pediatric patients, during the treatment period the maximum placebo-subtracted mean change in systolic blood pressure was -4.0 mmHg on clonidine hydrochloride extended-release 0.2 mg/day and -8.8 mmHg on clonidine hydrochloride extended-release 0.4 mg/day. The maximum placebo-subtracted mean change in diastolic blood pressure was -4.0 mmHg on clonidine hydrochloride extended-release 0.2 mg/day and -7.3 mmHg on clonidine hydrochloride extended-release 0.4 mg/day. The maximum placebo-subtracted mean change in heart rate was ‑4.0 beats per minute on clonidine hydrochloride extended-release 0.2 mg/day and -7.7 beats per minute on clonidine hydrochloride extended-release 0.4 mg/day. During the taper period of the fixed-dose monotherapy study the maximum placebo-subtracted mean change in systolic blood pressure was +3.4 mmHg on clonidine hydrochloride extended‑release 0.2 mg/day and -5.6 mmHg on clonidine hydrochloride extended-release 0.4 mg/day. The maximum placebo-subtracted mean change in diastolic blood pressure was +3.3 mmHg on clonidine hydrochloride extended-release 0.2 mg/day and -5.4 mmHg on clonidine hydrochloride extended-release 0.4 mg/day. The maximum placebo-subtracted mean change in heart rate was -0.6 beats per minute on clonidine hydrochloride extended-release 0.2 mg/day and -3.0 beats per minute on clonidine hydrochloride extended-release 0.4 mg/day.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets (and excludes those already mentioned in Section 6.1 ). Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Psychiatric: hallucinations Cardiovascular: Q-T prolongation

AND PRECAUTIONS

• Hypotension/bradycardia/syncope: Titrate slowly and monitor vital signs frequently in patients at risk for hypotension, heart block, bradycardia, syncope, cardiovascular disease, vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease or chronic renal failure. Measure heart rate and blood pressure prior to initiation of therapy, following dose increases, and periodically while on therapy. Avoid concomitant use of drugs with additive effects unless clinically indicated. Advise patients to avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated. ( 5.1 )
• Somnolence/Sedation: Has been observed with clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets. Consider the potential for additive sedative effects with CNS depressant drugs. Caution patients against operating heavy equipment or driving until they know how they respond to clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets. ( 5.2 )
• Cardiac Conduction Abnormalities: May worsen sinus node dysfunction and atrioventricular (AV) block, especially in patients taking other sympatholytic drugs. Titrate slowly and monitor vital signs frequently. ( 5.5 )

5.1 Hypotension/Bradycardia Treatment with clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets can cause dose-related decreases in blood pressure and heart rate <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]</span>. Measure heart rate and blood pressure prior to initiation of therapy, following dose increases, and periodically while on therapy. Titrate clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets slowly in patients with a history of hypotension, and those with underlying conditions that may be worsened by hypotension and bradycardia; e.g., heart block, bradycardia, cardiovascular disease, vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, or chronic renal failure. In patients who have a history of syncope or may have a condition that predisposes them to syncope, such as hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, or dehydration, advise patients to avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated. Monitor blood pressure and heart rate, and adjust dosages accordingly in patients treated concomitantly with antihypertensives or other drugs that can reduce blood pressure or heart rate or increase the risk of syncope.

5.2 Sedation and Somnolence Somnolence and sedation were commonly reported adverse reactions in clinical studies. In patients that completed 5 weeks of therapy in a controlled, fixed dose pediatric monotherapy study, 31% of patients treated with 0.4 mg/day and 38% treated with 0.2 mg/day versus 4% of placebo treated patients reported somnolence as an adverse event. In patients that completed 5 weeks of therapy in a controlled flexible dose pediatric adjunctive to stimulants study, 19% of patients treated with clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets +stimulant versus 7% treated with placebo+stimulant reported somnolence. Before using clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets with other centrally active depressants (such as phenothiazines, barbiturates, or benzodiazepines), consider the potential for additive sedative effects. Caution patients against operating heavy equipment or driving until they know how they respond to treatment with clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets. Advise patients to avoid use with alcohol.

5.3 Rebound Hypertension Abrupt discontinuation of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets can cause rebound hypertension. In adults with hypertension, sudden cessation of clonidine hydrochloride extended- release formulation treatment in the 0.2 to 0.6 mg/day range resulted in reports of headache, tachycardia, nausea, flushing, warm feeling, brief lightheadedness, tightness in chest, and anxiety. In adults with hypertension, sudden cessation of treatment with immediate-release clonidine has, in some cases, resulted in symptoms such as nervousness, agitation, headache, and tremor accompanied or followed by a rapid rise in blood pressure and elevated catecholamine concentrations in the plasma. No studies evaluating abrupt discontinuation of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets in children with ADHD have been conducted; however, to minimize the risk of rebound hypertension, gradually reduce the dose of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets in decrements of no more than 0.1 mg every 3 to 7 days. Patients should be instructed not to discontinue clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets therapy without consulting their physician due to the potential risk of withdrawal effects.

5.4 Allergic Reactions In patients who have developed localized contact sensitization to clonidine transdermal system, continuation of clonidine transdermal system or substitution of oral clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets therapy may be associated with the development of a generalized skin rash. In patients who develop an allergic reaction from clonidine transdermal system, substitution of oral clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets may also elicit an allergic reaction (including generalized rash, urticaria, or angioedema).

5.5 Cardiac Conduction Abnormalities The sympatholytic action of clonidine may worsen sinus node dysfunction and atrioventricular (AV) block, especially in patients taking other sympatholytic drugs. There have been post-marketing reports of patients with conduction abnormalities and/or taking other sympatholytic drugs who developed severe bradycardia requiring IV atropine, IV isoproterenol, and temporary cardiac pacing while taking clonidine. Titrate clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets slowly and monitor vital signs frequently in patients with cardiac conduction abnormalities or patients concomitantly treated with other sympatholytic drugs.

PRECAUTIONS General In patients who have developed localized contact sensitization to clonidine transdermal system, continuation of clonidine transdermal system or substitution of oral clonidine hydrochloride therapy may be associated with the development of a generalized skin rash. In patients who develop an allergic reaction to clonidine transdermal system, substitution of oral clonidine hydrochloride may also elicit an allergic reaction (including generalized rash, urticaria, or angioedema). The sympatholytic action of clonidine may worsen sinus node dysfunction and atrioventricular (AV) block, especially in patients taking other sympatholytic drugs. There are post-marketing reports of patients with conduction abnormalities and/or taking other sympatholytic drugs who developed severe bradycardia requiring IV atropine, IV isoproterenol and temporary cardiac pacing while taking clonidine. In hypertension caused by pheochromocytoma, no therapeutic effect of clonidine hydrochloride tablets can be expected.

Perioperative Use

Administration of clonidine hydrochloride tablets should be continued to within four hours of surgery and resumed as soon as possible thereafter. Blood pressure should be carefully monitored during surgery and additional measures to control blood pressure should be available if required. Information for Patients Patients should be cautioned against interruption of clonidine hydrochloride tablets therapy without their physician's advice. Since patients may experience a possible sedative effect, dizziness, or accommodation disorder with use of clonidine, caution patients about engaging in activities such as driving a vehicle or operating appliances or machinery. Also, inform patients that this sedative effect may be increased by concomitant use of alcohol, barbiturates, or other sedating drugs. Patients who wear contact lenses should be cautioned that treatment with clonidine hydrochloride tablets may cause dryness of eyes.

Drug Interactions

Clonidine may potentiate the CNS-depressive effects of alcohol, barbiturates or other sedating drugs. If a patient receiving clonidine hydrochloride is also taking tricyclic antidepressants, the hypotensive effect of clonidine may be reduced, necessitating an increase in the clonidine dose. If a patient receiving clonidine is also taking neuroleptics, orthostatic regulation disturbances (e.g., orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, fatigue) may be induced or exacerbated. Monitor heart rate in patients receiving clonidine concomitantly with agents known to affect sinus node function or AV nodal conduction, e.g. , digitalis, calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers. Sinus bradycardia resulting in hospitalization and pacemaker insertion has been reported in association with the use of clonidine concomitantly with diltiazem or verapamil. Amitriptyline in combination with clonidine enhances the manifestation of corneal lesions in rats (see Toxicology ). Based on observations in patients in a state of alcoholic delirium it has been suggested that high intravenous doses of clonidine may increase the arrhythmogenic potential (QT- prolongation, ventricular fibrillation) of high intravenous doses of haloperidol. Causal relationship and relevance for clonidine oral tablets have not been established. Toxicology In several studies with oral clonidine hydrochloride, a dose-dependent increase in the incidence and severity of spontaneous retinal degeneration was seen in albino rats treated for six months or longer. Tissue distribution studies in dogs and monkeys showed a concentration of clonidine in the choroid. In view of the retinal degeneration seen in rats, eye examinations were performed during clinical trials in 908 patients before, and periodically after, the start of clonidine therapy.

In

353 of these 908 patients, the eye examinations were carried out over periods of 24 months or longer. Except for some dryness of the eyes, no drug-related abnormal ophthalmological findings were recorded and, according to specialized tests such as electroretinography and macular dazzle, retinal function was unchanged. In combination with amitriptyline, clonidine hydrochloride administration led to the development of corneal lesions in rats within 5 days. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Chronic dietary administration of clonidine was not carcinogenic to rats (132 weeks) or mice (78 weeks) dosed, respectively, at up to 46 or 70 times the maximum recommended daily human dose as mg/kg (9 or 6 times the MRDHD on a mg/m 2 basis). There was no evidence of genotoxicity in the Ames test for mutagenicity or mouse micronucleus test for clastogenicity. Fertility of male or female rats was unaffected by clonidine doses as high as 150 µg/kg (approximately 3 times MRDHD). In a separate experiment, fertility of female rats appeared to be affected at dose levels of 500 to 2000 µg/kg (10 to 40 times the oral MRDHD on a mg/kg basis; 2 to 8 times the MRDHD on a mg/m 2 basis).

Pregnancy Teratogenic

Effects : Pregnancy Category C Reproduction studies performed in rabbits at doses up to approximately 3 times the oral maximum recommended daily human dose (MRDHD) of clonidine hydrochloride tablets produced no evidence of a teratogenic or embryotoxic potential in rabbits. In rats, however, doses as low as 1/3 the oral MRDHD (1/15 the MRDHD on a mg/m 2 basis) of clonidine were associated with increased resorptions in a study in which dams were treated continuously from 2 months prior to mating. Increased resorptions were not associated with treatment at the same time or at higher dose levels (up to 3 times the oral MRDHD) when the dams were treated on gestation days 6 to 15. Increases in resorption were observed at much higher dose levels (40 times the oral MRDHD on a mg/kg basis; 4 to 8 times the MRDHD on a mg/m 2 basis) in mice and rats treated on gestation days 1 to 14 (lowest dose employed in the study was 500 µg/kg). No adequate, well-controlled studies have been conducted in pregnant women. Clonidine crosses the placental barrier (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Pharmacokinetics ) . Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Nursing

Mothers As clonidine hydrochloride is excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when clonidine hydrochloride tablets are administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established in adequate and well-controlled trials (see WARNINGS, Withdrawal ).

General In patients who have developed localized contact sensitization to clonidine transdermal system, continuation of clonidine transdermal system or substitution of oral clonidine hydrochloride therapy may be associated with the development of a generalized skin rash. In patients who develop an allergic reaction to clonidine transdermal system, substitution of oral clonidine hydrochloride may also elicit an allergic reaction (including generalized rash, urticaria, or angioedema). The sympatholytic action of clonidine may worsen sinus node dysfunction and atrioventricular (AV) block, especially in patients taking other sympatholytic drugs. There are post-marketing reports of patients with conduction abnormalities and/or taking other sympatholytic drugs who developed severe bradycardia requiring IV atropine, IV isoproterenol and temporary cardiac pacing while taking clonidine. In hypertension caused by pheochromocytoma, no therapeutic effect of clonidine hydrochloride tablets can be expected.

Perioperative Use

Administration of clonidine hydrochloride tablets should be continued to within four hours of surgery and resumed as soon as possible thereafter. Blood pressure should be carefully monitored during surgery and additional measures to control blood pressure should be available if required.

Information for Patients Patients should be cautioned against interruption of clonidine hydrochloride tablets therapy without their physician's advice. Since patients may experience a possible sedative effect, dizziness, or accommodation disorder with use of clonidine, caution patients about engaging in activities such as driving a vehicle or operating appliances or machinery. Also, inform patients that this sedative effect may be increased by concomitant use of alcohol, barbiturates, or other sedating drugs. Patients who wear contact lenses should be cautioned that treatment with clonidine hydrochloride tablets may cause dryness of eyes.

Drug Interactions

Clonidine may potentiate the CNS-depressive effects of alcohol, barbiturates or other sedating drugs. If a patient receiving clonidine hydrochloride is also taking tricyclic antidepressants, the hypotensive effect of clonidine may be reduced, necessitating an increase in the clonidine dose. If a patient receiving clonidine is also taking neuroleptics, orthostatic regulation disturbances (e.g., orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, fatigue) may be induced or exacerbated. Monitor heart rate in patients receiving clonidine concomitantly with agents known to affect sinus node function or AV nodal conduction, e.g. , digitalis, calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers. Sinus bradycardia resulting in hospitalization and pacemaker insertion has been reported in association with the use of clonidine concomitantly with diltiazem or verapamil. Amitriptyline in combination with clonidine enhances the manifestation of corneal lesions in rats (see Toxicology ). Based on observations in patients in a state of alcoholic delirium it has been suggested that high intravenous doses of clonidine may increase the arrhythmogenic potential (QT- prolongation, ventricular fibrillation) of high intravenous doses of haloperidol. Causal relationship and relevance for clonidine oral tablets have not been established.

Toxicology In several studies with oral clonidine hydrochloride, a dose-dependent increase in the incidence and severity of spontaneous retinal degeneration was seen in albino rats treated for six months or longer. Tissue distribution studies in dogs and monkeys showed a concentration of clonidine in the choroid. In view of the retinal degeneration seen in rats, eye examinations were performed during clinical trials in 908 patients before, and periodically after, the start of clonidine therapy.

In

353 of these 908 patients, the eye examinations were carried out over periods of 24 months or longer. Except for some dryness of the eyes, no drug-related abnormal ophthalmological findings were recorded and, according to specialized tests such as electroretinography and macular dazzle, retinal function was unchanged. In combination with amitriptyline, clonidine hydrochloride administration led to the development of corneal lesions in rats within 5 days.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Chronic dietary administration of clonidine was not carcinogenic to rats (132 weeks) or mice (78 weeks) dosed, respectively, at up to 46 or 70 times the maximum recommended daily human dose as mg/kg (9 or 6 times the MRDHD on a mg/m 2 basis). There was no evidence of genotoxicity in the Ames test for mutagenicity or mouse micronucleus test for clastogenicity. Fertility of male or female rats was unaffected by clonidine doses as high as 150 µg/kg (approximately 3 times MRDHD). In a separate experiment, fertility of female rats appeared to be affected at dose levels of 500 to 2000 µg/kg (10 to 40 times the oral MRDHD on a mg/kg basis; 2 to 8 times the MRDHD on a mg/m 2 basis).

INTERACTIONS The interactions of JAVADIN with co-administration of other drugs have not been studied. The drug interaction data provided in this section is based on oral immediate-release clonidine formulations.

Table

1 displays clinically important drug interactions with JAVADIN.

Table

1: Clinically Important Drug Interactions with JAVADIN. Antihypertensive drugs Clinical Implication Concomitant use of antihypertensive drugs with clonidine potentiates the hypotensive effects of clonidine [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )].

Intervention

Monitor blood pressure and heart rate, and adjust dosage of JAVADIN accordingly in patients treated concomitantly with antihypertensives CNS depressants Clinical Implication Concomitant use of CNS depressants with clonidine potentiates the sedating effects [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )].

Intervention

Avoid concomitant use of CNS depressants with JAVADIN. Drugs that affect sinus node function or AV node conduction (e.g., digitalis, calcium channel blockers, beta blockers)

Clinical Implication

Concomitant use of drugs that affect sinus node function or AV node conduction with clonidine potentiate bradycardia and risk of AV block [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )].

Intervention

Avoid concomitant use of drugs that affect sinus node function or AV node conduction with JAVADIN. Tricyclic antidepressants Clinical Implication Concomitant use of tricyclic antidepressants with clonidine can increase blood pressure and may counteract the hypotensive effects of clonidine.

Intervention

Monitor blood pressure and adjust dosage of JAVADIN as needed.

Sedating

Drugs : Clonidine may potentiate the CNS-depressive effects of alcohol, barbiturates or other sedating drugs. ( 7 )

Tricyclic

Antidepressants: May reduce the hypotensive effect of clonidine. ( 7 ) Neuroleptics: May induce or exacerbate the orthostatic regulation disturbances (e.g., orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, fatigue). ( 7 )

Drugs

Known to Affect Sinus Node Function or AV Nodal Conduction: Caution is warranted in patients receiving clonidine concomitantly with agents known to affect sinus node function or AV nodal conduction (e.g., digitalis, calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers) due to a potential for additive effects such as bradycardia and AV block. ( 7 )