* Generic Name: clonidine
* Brand Name: Catapres
* What is clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay)?
* What are the possible side effects of clonidine (Catapres,
Kapvay)?
* What is the most important information I should know about
clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay)?
* What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay)?
* How should I take clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay)?
* What happens if I miss a dose (Catapres, Kapvay)?
* What happens if I overdose (Catapres, Kapvay)?
* What should I avoid while taking clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay)?
* What other drugs will affect clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay)?
* Where can I get more information (Catapres, Kapvay)?
What is clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay)?
Clonidine lowers blood pressure by decreasing the levels of certain
chemicals in your blood. This allows your blood vessels to relax and
your heart to beat more slowly and easily.
Clonidine is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
The Kapvay brand of clonidine is used to treat attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Clonidine is sometimes given with other medications.
Clonidine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What are the possible side effects of clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
* severe chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats;
* a very slow heart rate;
* severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears, blurred vision;
* nosebleeds;
* anxiety, confusion; or
* a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.
Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults.
Common side effects may include:
* drowsiness, dizziness;
* feeling tired or irritable;
* dry mouth, loss of appetite;
* constipation;
* dry eyes, contact lens discomfort; or
* sleep problems (insomnia), nightmares.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about clonidine
(Catapres, Kapvay)?
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of
your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies,
and all medicines you use.
Catapres Patient Information including How Should I Take
High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension
High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
RxList
Take the Salt Quiz!
Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started
Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking clonidine
(Catapres, Kapvay)?
You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to clonidine.
To make sure clonidine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
* heart disease or severe coronary artery disease;
* heart rhythm disorder, slow heartbeats;
* low blood pressure, or a history of fainting spells;
* a history of heart attack or stroke;
* pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland);
* kidney disease; or
* if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a clonidine
transdermal skin patch (Catapres TTS).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking
clonidine.
Clonidine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell
your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Catapres is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
Do not give Kapvay to a child younger than 6 years old.
How should I take clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay)?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do
not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than
recommended.
Clonidine is usually taken in the morning and at bedtime. If you take
different doses of this medicine at each dosing time, it may be best to
take the larger dose at bedtime.
Clonidine may be taken with or without food.
Do not use two forms of clonidine at the same time. This medicine is
also available as a transdermal patch worn on the skin.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it
whole. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing the tablet.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are
using clonidine. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short
time.
Do not stop using clonidine suddenly, or you could have unpleasant
withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using
clonidine.
Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting. Prolonged illness
can make it harder for your body to absorb clonidine, which may
lead to withdrawal symptoms. This is especially important for a child
taking clonidine.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this
medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no
symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of
your life.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Catapres Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension
High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
RxList
Take the Salt Quiz!
Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started
Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures
What happens if I miss a dose (Catapres, Kapvay)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose (Catapres, Kapvay)?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include dangerously high blood pressure (severe
headache, pounding in your neck or ears, nosebleed, anxiety, chest
pain, shortness of breath) followed by low blood pressure (feeling like
you might pass out). Other overdose symptoms may include feeling cold,
extreme weakness or drowsiness, weak or shallow breathing, pinpoint
pupils, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).
What should I avoid while taking clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay)?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase certain side effects of
clonidine.
Clonidine may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or
operating machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls or other accidents.
What other drugs will affect clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay)?
Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy can worsen
this effect. Ask your doctor before taking clonidine with a sleeping
pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for
anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or
stop using, especially:
* other heart or blood pressure medications;
* an antidepressant; or
* any other medicine that contains clonidine.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with clonidine,
including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this
medication guide.
Where can I get more information (Catapres, Kapvay)?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about clonidine.
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