Transdermal clonidine for ameliorating tamoxifen-induced hot flashes

• Published in: Journal of clinical oncology Vol. 12; no. 1; p. 155
• Main Authors: Goldberg, R M, Loprinzi, C L, O'Fallon, J R, Veeder, M H, Miser, A W, Mailliard, J A, Michalak, J C, Dose, A M, Rowland, Jr, K M, Burnham, N L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-01-1994
• Subjects: Administration, Cutaneous; Breast Neoplasms - drug therapy; Climacteric - drug effects; Climacteric - physiology; Clonidine - administration & dosage; Clonidine - adverse effects; Clonidine - therapeutic use; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Tamoxifen - adverse effects
• ISSN: 0732-183X
• DOI: 10.1200/JCO.1994.12.1.155

To determine the efficacy of transdermal clonidine for alleviating tamoxifen-induced hot flashes in women with a history of breast cancer.
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.
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).
Better means are needed to alleviate hot flashes among patients in whom estrogen therapy is contraindicated.