This NHS content is written for people in England. Medicine names, availability, prescribing and services may differ in other countries.
Clonidine is a type of medicine called a vasodilator.
Clonidine has many uses. It's mainly used to:
- prevent migraine or other similar types of headache
- treat hot flushes or sweats that may happen during the menopause
It's also sometimes used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
It helps to relax and widen blood vessels in the heart so blood can pass through them more easily.
Clonidine is only available on prescription.
It comes as tablets or as a liquid that you swallow. It's also available as an injection, but this is only given in hospital for emergency treatment of high blood pressure.
View the original NHS website page ↗. Refreshed 19 August 2026.
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