title: Clonidine effect on spasticity: a clinical trial.
abstract: Clonidine was used as an adjunct to baclofen in 55 patients with spasticity due to spinal cord injury. Dosage was held at the minimum effect amount for those who responded. No effect was seen in 24 patients (44%), although 31 (56%) benefitted from the drug. Patients were grouped as quadriplegics or paraplegics, having complete or incomplete lesions. Of all quadriplegics, seven of 11 complete (64%) and 17 of 25 incomplete patients (68%) responded; among the paraplegics, six of 15 complete (40%) and one of four incomplete patients (25%) improved. Side effects were limited to postural hypotension necessitating reduction in dosage in three patients that were successfully treated; in the unsuccessfully treated group, one patient had insomnia, one had dizziness, and one had drowsiness.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Rehabilitation and Research, Houston, TX 77030.
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Donovan
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.forename: C D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Rossi
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Wilkerson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003000:Clonidine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000150:complications; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications
chemical_list: D003000:Clonidine