clonidine - oral, Catapres
GENERIC NAME: CLONIDINE - ORAL (KLON-i-deen)
BRAND NAME(S): Catapres
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects |
Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes |
Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is used alone or with other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Clonidine belongs to a class of drugs (central alpha agonists) that act in the brain to lower blood pressure. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This drug may also be used for hot flashes that occur with menopause, for withdrawal symptoms from narcotic drugs, and to help people quit smoking.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually twice daily (in the morning and at bedtime) or as directed by your doctor.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.Do not stop taking this medication without first consulting your doctor. Withdrawal reactions (e.g., nervousness, agitation, shaking, headache) and a rapid rise in blood pressure may occur when the drug is abruptly stopped. The risk is greater if you have used this drug for a long time or in high doses, or if you are also taking a beta blocker (e.g., atenolol). There have also been rare reports of severe (possibly fatal) reactions from stopping this drug too quickly (e.g., stroke). Therefore, it is important that you do not run out of clonidine or miss any doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you are unable to take the medication (e.g., due to vomiting). If you must stop taking this drug, your dose should be gradually decreased over several days as directed by your doctor.When used for a long time, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing or an additional medication. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well (e.g., your routine blood pressure readings increase).
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
|
Back to Medications Index
Healthy Living Tips
This site complies with the