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Case series: clonidine has no systematic effects on PR or QTc intervals in children

L Kofoed1, G Tadepalli, J R Oesterheld

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of South Dakota School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, USA.

Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
|October 3, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Clonidine did not significantly alter electrocardiograms (ECGs) in children and adolescents, even when combined with psychostimulants for ADHD or tic disorders. No systematic ECG changes were observed in this retrospective study.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

  • Clonidine is used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and tic disorders in children.
  • The cardiac effects of clonidine, especially in combination with psychostimulants, require thorough investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To retrospectively evaluate the impact of clonidine, alone and with psychostimulants, on electrocardiograms (ECGs) in pediatric patients.
  • To identify any systematic changes in ECG parameters associated with clonidine treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of ECGs from 42 children and adolescents.
  • Two blinded pediatric cardiologists assessed pre- and post-treatment ECGs.
  • Subjects received clonidine for ADHD or tic disorders, with or without psychostimulants.

Main Results:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) variability was noted but not linked to systematic effects of clonidine.
  • No significant ECG alterations were observed with clonidine monotherapy or combination therapy.
  • No rare idiosyncratic cardiac reactions to clonidine were identified in this cohort.

Conclusions:

  • Clonidine, alone or with psychostimulants, appears safe concerning systematic ECG changes in pediatric patients.
  • Further research may be needed to detect rare idiosyncratic reactions.
  • The study supports the cardiovascular safety profile of clonidine in pediatric populations.

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