Lay summary
Bronchiectasis is a chronic, debilitating disease characterised by productive cough, airway inflammation, and repeated respiratory infections. Clonidine, a well-established and safe drug that is primarily used in the treatment of high blood pressure, has recently been shown for the first time to strongly suppress inflammation in both zebrafish and mice. In patients with bronchiectasis, treatment of airway inflammation can result in fewer episodes of worsening of symptoms. We plan to undertake a large, randomised controlled trial of clonidine treatment. The main feasibility issues that need to be assessed first are whether clonidine reduces inflammation in people and whether clonidine is better administered via an oral tablet or skin patch. We plan to compare the effect of the two forms of clonidine on inflammatory markers in the lungs and blood. The benefits of clonidine treatment are expected to include fewer exacerbations, improved quality of life, and reduced healthcare costs.