Duraclon

Duraclon is a prescription medicine licensed for the treatment of severe pain in people with cancer. It is approved to be used in combination with opiates and is given as a continuous epidural infusion. The medication is a type of alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that works by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain. Potential side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, and confusion.

Duraclon Medication Information

What Is Duraclon?

Duraclon^® (clonidine hydrochloride) is a prescription medication approved to treat severe cancer pain. It is given by continuous epidural infusion (an "epidural") and is approved to be used in combination with opiates (like morphine) for treating severe pain in people with cancer.

(Click Duraclon Uses for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes This Medication?

Brand-name Duraclon is made by Xanodyne pharmaceuticals, inc.

How Does It Work?

The active ingredient in Duraclon (clonidine) is most commonly used to treat high blood pressure. It belongs to a group of medications known as alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. For treating high blood pressure, it works by stimulating alpha-2 receptors in the brain stem. This causes a decrease in both blood pressure and heart rate.

There is also some evidence that clonidine may decrease certain substances (such as renin or aldosterone) in the body, an action that might also contribute to decreased blood pressure.

When used in an epidural to treat pain, Duraclon works by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain.

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