Clonidine and Ketamine interaction
Clonidine and Ketamine: both prescribing labels flag this combination with the strongest language, such as a contraindication, a boxed warning, or an instruction to avoid it.
Do not combine without a prescriber's guidance. The label language below is the strongest FDA uses.
What the FDA labels say
From the Clonidine (QLONILIK) label · effective 2026-08-12
Avoid use with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants ( 5.3 )
Avoid use with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, as this combination may cause excessive drowsiness or sedation [see Drug Interactions (7) ].
Intervention Avoid concomitant use of CNS depressants with QLONILIK.
Intervention Monitor blood pressure and heart rate, and adjust dosage of QLONILIK accordingly in patients treated concomitantly with antihypertensives CNS depressants Clinical Implication Concomitant use of CNS depressants with clonidine potentiates the sedating effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ].
Concomitant use of CNS depressants with clonidine potentiates the sedating effects.
From the Ketamine (Ketalar) label · effective 2026-03-27
Benzodiazepines, Opioid Analgesics, or other CNS Depressants : Concomitant use may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, or death.
Benzodiazepines, Opioid Analgesics, or Other CNS Depressants Concomitant use of ketamine with opioid analgesics, benzodiazepines, or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death [see Drug Interactions ( 7.3 )] .
Closely monitor neurological status and respiratory parameters, including respiratory rate and pulse oximetry, when KETALR and opioid analgesics, benzodiazepines, or other CNS depressants are co-administered.
Benzodiazepines, Opioid Analgesics, Or Other CNS Depressants Concomitant use of ketamine with opioid analgesics, benzodiazepines, or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] .
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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.