Atenolol and Clonidine interaction
Atenolol and Clonidine: both prescribing labels describe an interaction that usually calls for monitoring, a dose change, or spacing the doses.
Usually manageable with monitoring or a dose change. Tell your pharmacist you take both.
What the FDA labels say
From the Atenolol (TENORMIN) label · effective 2025-09-18
Because of its relative beta 1 selectivity, however, TENORMIN may be used with caution in patients with bronchospastic disease who do not respond to, or cannot tolerate, other antihypertensive treatment.
Beta-blockers may exacerbate the rebound hypertension which can follow the withdrawal of clonidine.
If the two drugs are coadministered, the beta-blocker should be withdrawn several days before the gradual withdrawal of clonidine.
If replacing clonidine by beta-blocker therapy, the introduction of beta-blockers should be delayed for several days after clonidine administration has stopped.
From the Clonidine (QLONILIK) label · effective 2026-08-12
Abrupt discontinuation of QLONILIK can cause rebound hypertension with elevated plasma catecholamines, especially with higher doses or concomitant beta-blocker use.
Rebound Hypertension Abrupt discontinuation of QLONILIK can cause rebound hypertension with elevated plasma catecholamines, especially with higher doses or concomitant beta-blocker use.
Drugs that affect sinus node function or AV node conduction (e.g., digitalis, calcium channel blockers, beta blockers) Clinical Implication Concomitant use of drugs that affect sinus node function or AV node conduction with clonidine potentiate bradycardia and risk of AV block [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].
When discontinuing concurrent beta-blocker therapy, withdraw the beta-blocker several days before beginning clonidine taper.
Taking more than these two? Interactions stack. Check your whole list at once; it stays in your browser.
Open in the checkerNot medical advice. Interaction Checker quotes FDA label text and NIH fact sheets. Whether an interaction matters for you depends on doses, timing, kidney and liver function, and other conditions. Confirm with a pharmacist or prescriber.