Clonidine



Catapres®; Catapres-TTS®; Duraclon™







Clonidine

(KLOE ni deen)

U.S. Brand Names
Catapres®; Catapres-TTS®; Duraclon™
Canadian Brand Names
Apo-Clonidine®; Carapres®; Dixarit®; Novo-Clonidine; Nu-Clonidine
Pharmacologic Category
Alpha
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to clonidine or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to prevent migraine headaches.
  • This medicine is used to control pain when infused into the spine.
  • This medicine is used to relieve painful menstrual cycles.
  • This medicine is used to treat drug addiction and withdrawal.
  • This medicine is used to treat flushing.
  • This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure.
  • This medicine is used to treat hot flashes caused by other medicines.
  • This medicine is used to treat attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity.
  • Rarely, this medicine is used to treat diabetes-associated diarrhea.
How does it work?
  • Clonidine decreases the body's release of adrenaline and other hormones that increase blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety.
  • It works works through the brain to relieve pain.
  • It has a stabilizing effect in children with attention deficit disorder.
How is it best taken?
  • All forms:
  • Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.
  • Tablet:
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Take last dose of the day at bedtime.
  • Skin patch:
  • Remove old patch first.
  • Apply to clean, dry, healthy skin on chest, back, or belly. Move site with each patch.
  • If patch loosens during the week, apply tape directly over it to hold in place.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Oral:
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Skin patch:
  • Apply a missed patch as soon as possible after removing the old one.
  • If it is almost time for the next patch, place the new patch on.
  • Start a new schedule after patch is replaced.
  • Do not apply a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Wear disease medical alert identification.
  • If you are 65 or older, use this medicine with caution. You could have more side effects.
  • May contain conducting metal. Remove patch before MRI.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • If you are taking this medicine and have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider before using over-the-counter products that may increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain natural products or supplements.
  • You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) or other medicines and natural products that slow your actions and reactions. These include sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, antihistamines, and other pain medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
  • Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly.
  • Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store patch and tablets at room temperature.
  • Protect tablets from light.
  • Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: