Question: What are the clinical characteristics associated with acute clonidine overdose?
Answer: The cited reference points out that “Clonidine overdose is characterized by CNS depression, bradycardia and miosis, and can mimic opioid poisoning. Other clinical effects include early hypertension, followed by hypotension, hypothermia and respiratory depression. Clonidine overdoses are uncommon, and the toxidromic triad of CNS depression, bradycardia and hypotension can often appear serious. In addition, the duration of some of the clinical effects may be prolonged, particularly the bradycardia. Case reports and reviews suggest clonidine may result in severe toxicity with ingestions of small amounts resulting in significant CNS depression and cardiovascular effects.” (Isbister GK et al. Adult clonidine overdose: prolonged bradycardia and central nervous system depression, but not sever toxicity. 2017 Clin Tox 55(3): 187-192)