Two medicines, side by side
Clonidine vs propranolol
Clonidine and propranolol are both labeled for high blood pressure. Drugs@FDA records approvals of clonidine since 1974 and of propranolol since 1967. Pharmacies paid $0.0241 per clonidine HCl 0.1 mg tablet and $0.0493 per propranolol 20 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, clonidine is a central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist and propranolol a beta-adrenergic blocker.
Check it at the source: the clonidine FDA label on DailyMed (effective March 30, 2026); the propranolol FDA label on DailyMed (effective January 15, 2026).
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
Highlights of the propranolol record
Propranolol (Inderal) · label of January 15, 2026
Used for
From the label: indicationsHypertension Propranolol hydrochloride tablets are indicated in the management of hypertension. It may be used alone or used in combination with other antihypertensive agents, particularly a thiazide diuretic. Propranolol hydrochloride tablets are not indicated in the management of hypertensive emergencies. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- November 13, 1967
- Generic labelers
- 42 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0493 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- In shortage
- Recalls
- 4
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Clonidine label of March 30, 2026, Propranolol label of January 15, 2026); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do clonidine and propranolol differ on the record?
In FDA's classes, clonidine is a central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist and propranolol a beta-adrenergic blocker.
Half-life, in each label's words: Clonidine, “Following intravenous administration, clonidine displays biphasic disposition with a distribution half-life of about 20 …”; Propranolol, “The plasma half-life of propranolol is from 3 to 6 hours.”
Generics: clonidine since 1986; propranolol since 1985 (Drugs@FDA).
| Clonidine | Propranolol | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | High blood pressure, ADHD, Pain | High blood pressure, Angina, Atrial fibrillation, Migraine |
| Pharmacologic class | Central alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist | beta-Adrenergic Blocker |
| How it works (label) | n/a | Mechanism of Action The mechanism of the antihypertensive effect of propranolol has not been established. |
| Half-life (label) | 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. | The plasma half-life of propranolol is from 3 to 6 hours. |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | September 3, 1974 | November 13, 1967 |
| First generic approved | July 1, 1986 | July 30, 1985 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 43 labelers | 42 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.0241 per tablet (Clonidine HCl 0.1 mg tablet) | $0.0493 per tablet (Propranolol 20 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | -3% | -17% |
| Boxed warning | No | No |
| Shortage now | No current entry | In shortage |
| Recalls recorded | 16 | 4 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 57,116 | 71,660 |
| 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)
Do their labels mention each other?
Propranolol label, drug interactionsThe antihypertensive effects of clonidine may be antagonized by beta-blockers.
Propranolol label, drug interactionsPharmacodynamic Drug-Drug Interactions Adrenergic Agonists: Beta-blockers may antagonize the antihypertensive effects of clonidine, and rebound hypertension may result if clonidine is withdrawn abruptly.
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to clonidine
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions