Clonidine Suppression Test | Diagnosis Of Pheochromocytoma & Paraganglioma |

Your doctor has referred you for a clonidine suppression test to rule out a condition called Phaeochromocytoma

So This test is used to diagnose pheochromocytoma and those paragangliomas that may secrete epinephrine, norepinephrine, or both.


Such tumors may cause paroxysmal or persistent hypertension.

General technique

First of all Obtain initial plasma Catecholamines


Then Administer oral Clonidine dose

Finally Recheck plasma Catecholamines after Clonidine


Interpretation of the test

Catecholamines normally suppressed after Clonidine
Catecholamines not suppressed in Pheochromocytoma