Clonidine (Catapres)

Common use

Clonidine may be used orally or as patches applied to your skin, it treats high blood pressure. It acts by changing the concentration of certain chemicals in blood and stimulating alpha2-adrenoceptors in the brain stem that reduces transmission of a signal from brain to other areas in the body. Its action results in a decrease in peripheral resistance, renal vascular resistance, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Dosage and direction

Usually Clonidine is taken twice daily, the dosage depends on individual blood pressure response of a patient. Do not use this drug if it was not prescribed to you by your physician. In case you use patches they should be applied to an area of hairless skin on the upper arm or torso, once every 7 days. When you change the patch for a new one, choose a different area of skin.

Precautions

Avoid drinking alcohol, be especially attentive if you need to drive or make any work which requires high concentration of attention.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to Clonidine or any component of the formulation. Contraindication may be also applied to patients with sick sinus syndrome, bradicardia, atrioventricular block (degree II and III). Cautiousness should be exercised in cases of acute myocardial infraction, Reino syndrome, endogenous depression kidney failure and others.

Possible side effect

Aside of signs of allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling such side effects may appear: fast or pounding heartbeats, a very slow heart rate, swelling, rapid weight gain, confusion, hallucinations, fever, pale skin, urinating less than usual. If you experience them seek for immediate medical attention.

Drug interaction

Clonidine causes increase of sedative effect of barbiturates, narcotic pain relievers and alcohol. Certain antidepressants may diminish pharmaceutical effect of Clonidine. Kidney damage maybe caused by increased concentration of Cyclosporine when Clonidine is administered concurrently. Concomitant prescription of Clonidine with medications which lower heart rate (beta-blockers) should be done with cautiousness.

Missed dose

If you missed a dose take it as soon as you remember, but if it is almost time of your next dose, just skip the forgotten dose. Do not try to compensate a missed dose by taking an extra one.

Overdose

If you suspect that you took too much of Clonidine and your blood pressure first becomes too high (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain) and then followed by low blood pressure (fainting, cold feeling, slow heart rate) seek for immediate medical attention.

Storage

Tablets and patches should be stored at room temperature 15-30 C (59-86 F) in a light- resistant container away from moisture.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information on the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.