Management of clonidine ingestion in children

Six cases of toxic ingestion of clonidine hydrochloride are reviewed. Apnea, respiratory depression, and rhythm disturbances were more frequent in our patients than in those previously reported; hypotension and bradycardia occurred at a similar frequency. Satisfactory management consisted of close attention to vital signs and judicious treatment of specific physiologic abnormalities. Atropine effectively corrected bradycardia. Tolazoline was found to be ineffective in reversing symptoms and signs of clonidine overdosage. Hypotension was managed by volume expansion, and if necessary, by a continuous infusion of dopamine. Naloxone, although not used in our patients, may be of both diagnostic and therapeutic value in treating clonidine overdosage.