Two medicines, side by side
Atomoxetine vs clonidine
Atomoxetine and clonidine are both labeled for ADHD. Drugs@FDA records approvals of atomoxetine since 2002 and of clonidine since 1974. Pharmacies paid $0.442 per atomoxetine HCl 40 mg capsule and $0.0241 per clonidine HCl 0.1 mg tablet (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like. Clonidine's other strengths are brand-only: $1.53 per mL (Javadin 0.02 mg/mL solution). In FDA's classes, atomoxetine is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and clonidine a central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist.
Check it at the source: the atomoxetine FDA label on DailyMed (effective May 25, 2026); the clonidine FDA label on DailyMed (effective March 30, 2026).
Highlights of the atomoxetine record
Atomoxetine (Strattera) · label of May 25, 2026
SUICIDAL IDEATION IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS Atomoxetine increased the risk of suicidal ideation in short-term studies in children or adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Anyone considering the use of atomoxetine in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. Co-morbidities occurring with ADHD may be associated with an increase in the risk of suicidal ideation and/or behavior.
Used for
From the label: indicationsAtomoxetine capsule is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor indicated for the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ( 1.1 ) 1.1 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Atomoxetine capsule is indicated for the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- November 26, 2002
- Generic labelers
- 20 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.442 per capsule
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 15
Highlights of the clonidine record
Clonidine (Catapres) · label of March 30, 2026
Used for
From the label: indicationsClonidine hydrochloride tablets are indicated in the treatment of hypertension. Clonidine hydrochloride tablets may be employed alone or concomitantly with other antihypertensive agents.
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- September 3, 1974
- Generic labelers
- 43 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0241 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 16
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Atomoxetine label of May 25, 2026, Clonidine label of March 30, 2026); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do atomoxetine and clonidine differ on the record?
In FDA's classes, atomoxetine is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and clonidine a central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist.
Half-life, in each label's words: Atomoxetine, “Atomoxetine has a half-life of about 5 hours.”; Clonidine, “Following intravenous administration, clonidine displays biphasic disposition with a distribution half-life of about 20 …”
Only the atomoxetine label carries a boxed warning.
Generics: atomoxetine since 2010; clonidine since 1986 (Drugs@FDA).
| Atomoxetine | Clonidine | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | ADHD | High blood pressure, ADHD, Pain |
| Pharmacologic class | Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor | Central alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist |
| How it works (label) | The precise mechanism by which atomoxetine produces its therapeutic effects in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is unknown, but is thought to be related to selective inhibition of the pre-synaptic norepinephrine transporter … | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | Atomoxetine has a half-life of about 5 hours. | Following intravenous administration, clonidine displays biphasic disposition with a distribution half-life of about 20 minutes and an elimination half-life ranging from 12 to 16 hours. |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | November 26, 2002 | September 3, 1974 |
| First generic approved | September 16, 2010 | July 1, 1986 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 20 labelers | 43 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.442 per capsule (Atomoxetine HCl 40 mg capsule) | $0.0241 per tablet (Clonidine HCl 0.1 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | -27% | -3% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | No |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 15 | 16 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 26,969 | 57,116 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Alternatives to atomoxetine
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions