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Clonidine (drug interactions)

Clonidine is a medication primarily used to lower blood pressure and alleviate withdrawal symptoms from alcohol and other substances. However, it is important to be aware of its potential drug interactions. Some supplements and herbs, such as Coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ 10), Yohimbe, and Coleus forskohlii, can interact negatively with clonidine. For instance, combining clonidine with Yohimbe is considered a potentially dangerous interaction. Additionally, Coleus forskohlii may have unpredictable effects due to its blood vessel-relaxing properties.

Patients are advised to avoid other herbs that can lower blood pressure, such as garlic and valerian root, as this may lead to hypotension when taken alongside clonidine. Furthermore, the use of St. John’s wort and ginseng is discouraged for those on clonidine. It’s also crucial to consider interactions with prescription medications, particularly those that lower blood pressure, central nervous system depressants, tricyclic antidepressants, and digoxin. To ensure safety, individuals should consult healthcare providers about all medications and supplements they are taking while on clonidine.

Full Article

  • INTERACTIONS: Coenzyme Q10, Coleus forskohlii, Yohimbe, St. John's wort, ginseng, various prescription medications
  • TRADE NAME: Catapres

DEFINITION: A drug often used to reduce blood pressure and to counter symptoms that occur during withdrawal from alcohol and other addictive substances.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Effect: Supplementation Possibly Helpful

There is some evidence that clonidine might impair the body’s ability to manufacture the substance CoQ10. However, it has not yet been shown that CoQ10 supplements offer any particular benefit to those taking this medication.

Yohimbe

Effect: Probable Dangerous Interaction

Persons taking clonidine should not take yohimbe.

Coleus forskohlii

Effect: Theoretical Interaction

The herb Coleus forskohlii relaxes blood vessels and might have unpredictable effects if combined with clonidine.

Other Interactions

Several other interactions can occur between clonidine and various herbs, supplements, and prescription medications. Patients should discuss all medications they are taking with their healthcare providers. Individuals taking clonidine should avoid herbs that can lower blood pressure, including garlic, hawthorn berry, and valerian root. Because clonidine also lowers blood pressure, supplementation with these herbs could cause hypotension. St. John's wort and ginseng should also be avoided when taking clonidine. Patients taking prescription medications that lower blood pressure, calcium channel blockers, central nervous system depressants, tricyclic antidepressants, and digoxin should also avoid taking clonidine due to adverse effects. Taking clonidine with opioids, barbiturates, sedatives, muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines, or when drinking alcohol can increase drowsiness.


Bibliography

Brinker, F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 3rd ed., Eclectic Medical, 2001.

"Clonidine." MedlinePlus, 20 Aug. 2024, medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682243.html. Accessed 10 Dec. 2025.

"Clonidine." Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 5 Nov. 2025, www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/medications/adult/clonidine. Accessed 10 Dec. 2025.

Kishi, H., et al. "Bioenergetics in Clinical Medicine. III: Inhibition of Coenzyme Q10-Enzymes by Clinically Used Anti-hypertensive Drugs." Research Communications in Chemical Pathology and Pharmacology, vol. 12, no. 3, 1975, pp. 533-40.

"Taking Clonidine with Other Medicines and Herbal Supplements." NHS, 10 Feb. 2023, www.nhs.uk/medicines/clonidine/taking-clonidine-with-other-medicines-and-herbal-supplements. Accessed 10 Dec. 2025.

Yasaei, Rama, and Abdolreza Saadabadi. "Clonidine - StatPearls." NCBI, 17 July 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459124. Accessed 10 Dec. 2025.

Full Article

  • INTERACTIONS: Coenzyme Q10, Coleus forskohlii, Yohimbe, St. John's wort, ginseng, various prescription medications
  • TRADE NAME: Catapres

DEFINITION: A drug often used to reduce blood pressure and to counter symptoms that occur during withdrawal from alcohol and other addictive substances.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Effect: Supplementation Possibly Helpful

There is some evidence that clonidine might impair the body’s ability to manufacture the substance CoQ10. However, it has not yet been shown that CoQ10 supplements offer any particular benefit to those taking this medication.

Yohimbe

Effect: Probable Dangerous Interaction

Persons taking clonidine should not take yohimbe.

Coleus forskohlii

Effect: Theoretical Interaction

The herb Coleus forskohlii relaxes blood vessels and might have unpredictable effects if combined with clonidine.

Other Interactions

Several other interactions can occur between clonidine and various herbs, supplements, and prescription medications. Patients should discuss all medications they are taking with their healthcare providers. Individuals taking clonidine should avoid herbs that can lower blood pressure, including garlic, hawthorn berry, and valerian root. Because clonidine also lowers blood pressure, supplementation with these herbs could cause hypotension. St. John's wort and ginseng should also be avoided when taking clonidine. Patients taking prescription medications that lower blood pressure, calcium channel blockers, central nervous system depressants, tricyclic antidepressants, and digoxin should also avoid taking clonidine due to adverse effects. Taking clonidine with opioids, barbiturates, sedatives, muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines, or when drinking alcohol can increase drowsiness.


Bibliography

Brinker, F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 3rd ed., Eclectic Medical, 2001.

"Clonidine." MedlinePlus, 20 Aug. 2024, medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682243.html. Accessed 10 Dec. 2025.

"Clonidine." Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 5 Nov. 2025, www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/medications/adult/clonidine. Accessed 10 Dec. 2025.

Kishi, H., et al. "Bioenergetics in Clinical Medicine. III: Inhibition of Coenzyme Q10-Enzymes by Clinically Used Anti-hypertensive Drugs." Research Communications in Chemical Pathology and Pharmacology, vol. 12, no. 3, 1975, pp. 533-40.

"Taking Clonidine with Other Medicines and Herbal Supplements." NHS, 10 Feb. 2023, www.nhs.uk/medicines/clonidine/taking-clonidine-with-other-medicines-and-herbal-supplements. Accessed 10 Dec. 2025.

Yasaei, Rama, and Abdolreza Saadabadi. "Clonidine - StatPearls." NCBI, 17 July 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459124. Accessed 10 Dec. 2025.

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