title: Transdermal clonidine for ameliorating tamoxifen-induced hot flashes.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Geisinger Clinical Oncology Program, Danville, PA.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Goldberg
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Loprinzi
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: O'Fallon
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Veeder
authors.forename: A W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Miser
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Mailliard
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Michalak
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Dose
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Rowland
authors.forename: N L
authors.initials: NL
authors.lastname: Burnham
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D013629:Tamoxifen; D003000:Clonidine