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February 8, 2012

clonidine, Catapres, Catapres-TTS, Jenloga

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GENERIC NAME: clonidine

BRAND NAME: Catapres, Catapres-TTS, Jenloga

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).

PRESCRIBED FOR: Clonidine is approved for the treatment of high blood pressure. Non-FDA approved (off-label) uses include treatment of symptoms of narcotic withdrawal, nicotine withdrawal, diabetes-associated diarrhea, diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage), hot flashes associated with menopause, and as an adjunct to manage severe cancer-related pain.

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.

Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), for example, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), and nabumetone (Relafen) can reduce the antihypertensive effects of clonidine.




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Suggested Reading on clonidine, Catapres, Catapres-TTS, Jenloga by Our Doctors

  • Related Diseases & Conditions

    • High Blood Pressure
      • 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 (Type 1 and Type 2)
      • 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
      • 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 Abuse
      • 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
      • 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
      • 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 Treatment
      • 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 (How to Quit Smoking)
      • 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.
    • Cancer Pain
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Diabetes

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clonidine, Catapres, Catapres-TTS, Jenloga

Diabetes Facts

  • Diabetes is a chronic condition associated with abnormally high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood.
  • Insulin produced by the pancreas lowers blood glucose.
  • Absence or insufficient production of insulin causes diabetes.
  • 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 and hunger as well as fatigue.
  • Diabetes is diagnosed by blood sugar (glucose) testing.
  • The major complications of diabetes are both acute and chronic.

    • Acutely: dangerously elevated blood sugar, abnormally low blood sugar due to diabetes medications may occur.
    • Chronically: disease of the blood vessels (both small and large) which can damage the eye, kidneys, nerves, and heart may occur

  • Diabetes treatment depends...

Read the Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2) article »






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