Airway and breathing

Airway and breathing complications are unlikely after clonidine or guanfacine poisoning. If the patient’s level of consciousness compromises the airway or breathing, manage urgently according to Support of airway and breathing in poisoning.

The use of suxamethonium (during rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia for intubation) may precipitate profound bradycardia in patients with clonidine poisoning. Nondepolarising neuromuscular-blocking drugs (eg rocuronium) are preferred. If suxamethonium is used, give atropine as a premedication: