Q; Whats the first and major concern in person who may have clonidine overdose/toxicity?


A: Repiratory depression/Apnea and need of endotracheal intubation.

CNS toxicity in clonidine overdose is similar to that seen in opiates - which is many time missed by caregiver. Central effect of clonidine includes CNS lethargy or coma, miosis and respiratory depression or apnea. Other CNS signs and symptoms include Hypotonia or hyporeflexia, Seizures, Ataxia, dysarthria, Weakness and Hallucinations.