Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Clonidine is an oral and topical (applied to the
skin) drug for treating high blood pressure (hypertension). Clonidine acts by
stimulating receptors on nerves in the brain that reduces the transmission of
messages from nerves in the brain to nerves in other areas of the body. As a
result, clonidine slows heart rate and reduces blood pressure. The FDA approved
clonidine in September 1974.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes (tablets), No (patches).
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg. Transdermal patches: 0.1, 0.2,
and 0.3 mg delivered over 24 hours.
STORAGE: Tablets and patches should be kept at room temperature, 15-30 C (59-86 F).
DOSING: The usual oral adult dose is 0.1–0.3 mg twice daily. The maximum oral
dose is 2.4 mg daily. Patches should be applied to an area of hairless skin on
the upper arm or torso, once every 7 days. When applying a new patch, a
different area of skin should be used.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Clonidine can increase the sedating effects of other
medications that cause sedation. Such drugs include narcotic pain relievers,
barbiturates, sedatives such as alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin) as
well as ethanol.
Tricyclic antidepressants, for example, amitriptyline (Elavil,
Endep), imipramine
(Tofranil), desipramine (Norpramin), and clomipramine (Anafranil), can block the
blood pressure lowering effects of clonidine. This may cause blood pressure to
rise.
Since clonidine can reduce heart rate, it should be used cautiously in
persons who are receiving other medications that lower heart rate such as
beta-blockers, for example, atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor),
propranolol (Inderal)], digoxin (Lanoxin), diltiazem (Cardizem) or verapamil
(Calan; Covera HS). Abnormal heart rhythms can occur with the combination of
clonidine and verapamil.
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral) concentrations in the
blood can increase when clonidine is begun. This interaction could result in
kidney damage from the increased levels of cyclosporine.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a repeatedly
elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg -- a systolic pressure above
140 with a diastolic pressure above 90. There are two causes of high blood pressure, primary and secondary. Primary high blood pressure is much more common that secondary and its basic causes or underlying defects are not always known. It is known that a diet high in salt increases the risk for high blood pressure, as well as high cholesterol. Genetic factors are also a primary cause. Secondary high blood pressure is generally caused by another condition such as renal hypertension, tumors, and other conditions. Treatment for high blood pressure is generally lifestyle changes and if necessary, diet.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.
Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently stop, also called the “change of life." Menopause symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular vaginal bleeding, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, urinary incontinence, weight gain, and emotional symptoms such as mood swings. Treatment of menopausal symptoms varies, and should be discussed with your physician.
Drug addiction is a chronic disease that causes drug-seeking behavior and drug use despite negative consequences to the user and those around him. Though the initial decision to use drugs is voluntary, changes in the brain caused by repeated drug abuse can affect a person's self-control and ability to make the right decisions and increase the urge to take drugs. Drug abuse and addiction are preventable.
Hot flashes (or flushing) is the most common symptom experienced by a woman prior to and during the early stages of menopause. Hot flashes can be caused by other conditions. Diagnosis is made by taking a patient history and at times, blood tests. Treatment options include hormone therapy, bioidentical hormone therapy, and medications. There are non-FDA approved natural remedies.
Diabetic Neuropathy is a complication of diabetes that causes damage to the nerves; this is related to the blood glucose of the body being too high for a long period of time. The four types of neuropathy include peripheral, autonomic, proximal and focal.
High blood pressure (hypertension) means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Treatment for high blood pressure include lifestyle modifications (alcohol, smoking, coffee, salt, diet, exercise), drugs and medications such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), alpha blockers, clonidine, minoxidil, and Exforge.
Smoking is an addiction. More than 430,000 deaths occur each year in the U.S. from smoking related illnesses. Secondhand smoke or "passive smoke" also harm family members, coworkers, and others around smokers. There are a number of techniques available to assist people who want to quit smoking.
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