Transdermal clonidine for ameliorating tamoxifen-induced hot flashes.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of transdermal clonidine for alleviating tamoxifen-induced hot flashes in women with a history of breast cancer.


METHODS
A randomized, double-blind, crossover design was used in this prospective study. Women with a history of breast cancer who were receiving tamoxifen and suffering from hot flashes were potentially eligible for this protocol study.


RESULTS
Clonidine did reduce hot-flash frequency to a degree that was statistically impressive (P < .0001), but clinically moderate (20% reduction from baseline). It also decreased hot-flash severity (P = .02, 10% reduction from baseline). Clonidine was related to increased mouth dryness (P < .001), constipation (P < .02), itchiness under the patch (P < .01), and drowsiness (P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Better means are needed to alleviate hot flashes among patients in whom estrogen therapy is contraindicated.
Goldberg
R M
RM
Geisinger Clinical Oncology Program, Danville, PA.
Loprinzi
C L
CL
O'Fallon
J R
JR
Veeder
M H
MH
Miser
A W
AW
Mailliard
J A
JA
Michalak
J C
JC
Dose
A M
AM
Rowland
K M
KM
Burnham
N L
NL
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D002979:Climacteric / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D003000:Clonidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000009:adverse effects*
D013629:Tamoxifen; D003000:Clonidine