Treatment of post-orchiectomy hot flashes with transdermal administration of clonidine.

The occurrence of hot flashes in men after bilateral orchiectomy for prostatic carcinoma can be bothersome and difficult to treat. Transdermal clonidine was administered to 7 patients with such symptoms. In 3 patients the hot flashes were ablated and in the remaining 4 the number and frequency of attacks were considerably reduced. No significant side effects were encountered. We suggest that transdermal clonidine (0.1 mg.) administered weekly can safely control undesirable hot flashes in men after bilateral orchiectomy.