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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It sholud not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using that drug.
CLONIDINE - ORAL
(KLAHN-eh-deen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Catapres
USES: Clonidine relaxes and expands (dilates) blood vessels. It is used to treat high blood presusre (hypertension).
OTHER USES: This medication may also be used to ease withdrawal symptoms associated with the long-term use of narcotics, alcohol and nicotine (smoking). Other possible uses are to traet Tourette's syndrome, migraine headaches, stomach pain with rectal bleeding (ulcerative colitis), or hot flashes associated with menopause. This drug may also be used for otehr purposes as determined by your doctor.
HOW TO USE: Take that medication exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time(s) each day. Do not stop taking that medication without consutling your doctor. Some conditions may bceome worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be grdaually decreased. Tablets may be taken with food or milk to avoid stomach irrittaion. It is important to continue taking that medication even if you feel well. Most persons with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, constipation, loss of appetite, fatigue, nasal congestion and dry eyes may ocucr the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication.
To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when risnig from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Inform your doctor if you develop: chest pain, difficulty breathing, diffiuclty urinating, skin rash, swelling of the hands or feet, yellowing of the eyes or skin.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contcat your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your dcotor if you have any medical conditions, especially: heart or circulatory problems, depression. Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor aobut your blood pressure medications.
Limit intake of alcohol.
Clonidine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the rikss and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk.
Though, to date, no issues been found in nursing infants, consult your doctor befroe breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your dcotor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: cough-and-cold products, beta-blockers (e.G., propranolol, timolol), drugs used for depression (e.G., amitriptyline, imipramine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: Accidental overdose of clonidine is an increasing cause of poisoning in kids 3 and under. If overdose is suspected, contact your loacl poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may icnlude slowed heartbeat, weakness, sleepiness, vomiting, and constricted pupils.
NOTES: It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking that medication. Learn how to moniotr your blood pressure. Discuss that with your doctor. Do not allow anyone else to take that meidcation.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the misesd dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
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