CLONIDINE/CHLORTHALIDONE - ORAL (Combipres) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

clonidine/chlorthalidone - oral, Combipres

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GENERIC NAME: CLONIDINE/CHLORTHALIDONE - ORAL (KLAHN-eh-deen/klor-THAL-eh-doan)

BRAND NAME(S): Combipres

USES: This combination medication is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). 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. Chlorthalidone is a diuretic (water pill) that helps rid the body of extra fluid and relaxes blood vessels.Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once or twice daily or as directed by your doctor.Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Your doctor will usually direct you to take the individual medications first to find the best dose for you, then switch you to this combination product. It may take several weeks to find the best dose for you.Your doctor may recommend that you eat foods rich in potassium (e.g., bananas, orange juice) while taking this medication. Your doctor may also prescribe a potassium supplement during your treatment with this drug.Drugs that can decrease the absorption of chlorthalidone include cholestyramine and colestipol. If you are taking either of these drugs, take this medication at least 4 hours after cholestyramine or colestipol.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) 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 suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor because your condition may become worse. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased to prevent symptoms such as restlessness, pounding headache/heartbeat, confusion, and sweating.A serious rapid increase in your blood pressure (rebound hypertension) may occur when this drug is suddenly stopped or if you miss 2 or more doses in a row, especially if you have been taking it for a long time or at higher doses. There have been rare reports of serious (possibly fatal) problems from stopping this drug too quickly, including stroke. Therefore, it is important that you do not run out of this medication.Your risk of rebound hypertension increases if you are also taking beta blocker medication or MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine).When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well (e.g., your routine blood pressure readings increase).Learn how to monitor your blood pressure while taking this medication. This will help you and your doctor make sure the medication is working well.