Medications and Drugs

Menopause and Perimenopause Slideshow

GENERIC NAME: CLONIDINE 0.025MG - ORAL (KLAHN-eh-deen)

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to treat menopausal flushing in women not receiving hormone replacement therapy.

HOW TO USE: This drug is taken by mouth, usually two tablets twice daily. If after two to four weeks there has been no improvement, it is recommended to stop treatment. A gradual decrease in the dosage is recommended if this drug is being stopped. This applies to dosages higher than the usual dose recommended above.

SIDE EFFECTS: This drug is usually well tolerated. Slow pulse rate, fatigue, dry mouth and dizziness or drowsiness might occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially drug allergies), heart disease, blood vessel disease, kidney disease, depression. Limit alcohol use, as it may aggravate the drowsiness or dizziness side effects of this drug. Caution performing activities requiring mental alertness. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially of: drowsiness- causing drugs such as sedatives or tranquilizers, drugs for sleep, anti-anxiety drugs, muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine) narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric drugs (including MAO inhibitors such as furazolidone, selegiline, tranylcypromine, moclobemide), tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, anti-seizure medications, certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), high blood pressure medicines (e.g., beta-blockers), digoxin. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.