"Cloniderm" toxicity: another manifestation of clonidine overdose

We present a case of accidental transdermal clonidine toxicity in a six-year-old child who was applying a clonidine patch intermittently to her dermis in the mistaken assumption that it was an adhesive bandage. Although the child appeared to be drug toxic, she repeatedly denied ingestion of any substances to family, paramedics, and hospital staff but was not initially questioned regarding dermal exposure. In dealing with drug toxic states in which the differential diagnosis includes drugs available as transdermal delivery systems, the evaluation should include questions regarding possible dermal exposure and a thorough skin examination.