clonidine

noun

clo·​ni·​dine ˈklä-nə-ˌdēn How to pronounce clonidine (audio) ˈklō- How to pronounce clonidine (audio)
-ˌdīn
: an antihypertensive drug C9H9Cl2N3 used especially to treat essential hypertension, to prevent migraine headache, and to diminish opioid and nicotine withdrawal symptoms

Examples of clonidine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The most common blood pressure medications that can cause this are beta blockers and clonidine. — Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 8 June 2026 Your physician may also be able to prescribe an alternative treatment such as clonidine or trazodone. — C. Michael White, The Conversation, 7 Nov. 2025 After the surgery, she was described as excited to have his clonidine dosage increased through a psychiatric consultation. — Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026 Other medications, including gabapentin and clonidine, may also be helpful in some cases. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 5 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for clonidine

Word History

Etymology

chlor- + aniline + imide + -ine entry 2

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clonidine was in 1969

Rhymes for clonidine

See All Rhymes for clonidine

Browse Nearby Words

clone
clonidine
clonk
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Cite this Entry

“Clonidine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clonidine. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

clonidine

noun
clo·​ni·​dine ˈklän-ə-ˌdēn How to pronounce clonidine (audio) ˈklōn- How to pronounce clonidine (audio)
-ˌdīn
: an antihypertensive drug used in the form of its hydrochloride C9H9Cl2N3·HCl especially to treat essential hypertension, to prevent migraine headache, and to diminish opiate withdrawal symptoms

More from Merriam-Webster on clonidine

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about clonidine

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