Clonidine: irritant and allergic contact dermatitis assays

Abstract

Clonidine in petrolatum, clonidine transdermal device, and its placebo device were assayed for relative irritancy potential (21‐day cumulative irritancy, assay)and allergic contact dermatitis potential (Draize repeal insult patch test assay). Both Clonidine in petrolatum and the Clonidine transdermal device appear to be of minimal irritancy potential. Only the clonidine device demonstrated, rated, in the Draize assay (and in clinical trials), allergic contact dermatitis potential. Its relatively delayed onset of demonstration of allergic contact sensitization in clinical trials require investigation as to mechanism.