Uses

CLONIDINE (Catapres) is an antihypertensive. Clonidine relaxes blood vessels, relieving high blood pressure (hypertension). It is not a cure and has to be taken regularly. Untreated high blood pressure can cause a stroke, heart failure, or damage to your kidneys. Clonidine can be used to treat conditions other than hypertension. It can help to diagnose pheochromocytoma, a tumor of the adrenal gland. Generic clonidine tablets are available.

How to take

Take clonidine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Side Effects

Stopping taking clonidine can produce some of these side effects. Ask your prescriber or health care professional before you reduce your dose, or stop taking clonidine. Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:; anxiety, nervousness; dizziness or fainting spells; increased sweating; irregular heartbeat or palpitations, chest pain; pain or difficulty passing urine; stomach pain; swelling of feet or legs; trembling, shakiness; unusual tiredness or weakness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):; drowsiness; dry mouth; constipation; difficulty sleeping (insomnia); headache; sexual difficulties (decreased sexual desire and ability)

Precaution

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking clonidine. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your heart rate should be and when you should contact him or her. Do not suddenly stop taking clonidine. You must gradually reduce the dose or you may get a dangerous increase in blood pressure. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice. You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how clonidine affects you. To avoid dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older person. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help. Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can affect your blood pressure control. If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking clonidine.

Drug interactions

alcohol; antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen); barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions); beta blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems; cyclosporine; heart medicines such as digoxin or digitoxin; fenfluramine; guanethidine; hawthorn; medicines for colds and breathing difficulties; medicine for mental depression; medicine for pain; verapamil; water pills Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. It is important not to miss a dose of clonidine. Even one or two missed doses can cause serious side effects. If you do miss more than one or two doses, check with your prescriber or health care professional.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.