why is clonidine given to a substance abuse

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i have a question.why is it clonidine given to a substance abuse?been wondering and also why is it bumetrex is given thru iv?hope someone can help me.tnx

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Specializes in Utilization Management.

Believe it or not, clonidine is also used to help with opiate withdrawal.

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Specializes in Critical Care.
i have a question.why is it clonidine given to a substance abuse?been wondering and also why is it bumetrex is given thru iv?hope someone can help me.tnx

Clonidine works to inhibit the production of norepinephrine, which in effect relaxes the sympathetic nervous system.

In cases of substance abuse and subsequent withdrawal, common sympathetic nervous system manifestations include tachycardia, hypertension, and sweating/restlessness-- all of which are somewhat alleviated by Clonidine.

As far as "bumetrex", did you mean Buprenex? There's another drug with similar spelling-- Bumex, which is a potent diuretic, so be careful there.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

It responds by helping the patient going through withdrawal on the sympathetic system like restlessness, the sedation helps reducing the anxiety of the withdrawal. Well that is my understanding

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I just looked Buprenex up for you and it isn't given orally due to a high first pass effect. It can be given SL, IV, or IM, however.

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Specializes in Utilization Management.

Moving thread to Med Savvy forum for more responses.

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thank you for the info guys.did help it a lot.re:bumetrex i will check it again then.actually it is a brand name of ascorbic acid that is given to a patient who is substance abuse for detox. il see and check on to it again and post it again here for clarification

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Specializes in Critical Care.
thank you for the info guys.did help it a lot.re:bumetrex i will check it again then.actually it is a brand name of ascorbic acid that is given to a patient who is substance abuse for detox. il see and check on to it again and post it again here for clarification

Be very careful here are there are many similar sounding drugs. Buprenex, for instance, is used in opiate withdrawl as well.

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