Extension of substitution approval for shortage of Catapres (clonidine) 150 mcg tablets

Pharmaceutical company Clinect has told us that Catapres (clonidine) 150 microgram (mcg) tablets will be in shortage between 4 May and 31 May 2026 due to an increase in demand. This follows the previous shortage that occurred between December 2025 and March 2026.  

Catapres is the only brand of clonidine 150 mcg tablets supplied in Australia, and is used to treat essential hypertension and renal hypertension. Clonidine is also used off-label - external site for various conditions, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), chronic pain and cancer pain.

The lower-strength 100 mcg tablets remain available. To help patients have continuous access to their medicine during the shortage, we have extended - external site the Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument - external site (SSSI) to 28 June 2026. The SSSI allows a pharmacist to dispense an equivalent quantity of clonidine 100 mcg tablets, if appropriate, without a new prescription. 

To make up a substitute dose, the patient would need to break or cut a 100 mcg tablet in half.

For detailed information about the shortage, the SSSI and important factors when considering a substitution, visit About the shortage of Catapres (clonidine) 150 mcg tablets.

For more information about SSSIs see Substituting scarce medicines and Serious Scarcity Substitution Instruments (SSSIs).