CLONIDINE |
|
CLONIDINE
BRAND & GENERIC NAMES
Catapres
Catapres-TTS
Combipres
Dixarit
BASIC INFORMATION
Habit forming? No
Prescription needed? Yes
Available as generic? Yes
Drug class: Antihypertensive
USES
Treatment of high blood pressure.
Prevention of vascular headaches.
Treatment of dysmenorrhea and menopausal "hot flashes."
Treatment of narcotic withdrawal syndrome.
Treatment of congestive heart failure.
DOSAGE & USAGE INFORMATION
How to take:
Tablet--Swallow with liquid.
Patches that attach to skin--Apply to clean, dry, hairless skin
on arm or trunk.
When to take:
Daily dose at bedtime.
If you forget a dose:
Bedtime dose -- If you forget your once-a-day dose, take it as
soon as you remember. Don't double dose.
What drug does:
Relaxes and allows expansion of blood vessel walls.
Time lapse before drug works:
1 to 3 hours.
Don't take with:
Any other medicines, even over-the-counter drugs such as cough
and cold medicines, nose drops, diet pills, laxatives or
caffeine, without consulting your doctor.
OVERDOSE
SYMPTOMS:
Vomiting, fainting, slow heartbeat, coma, diminished reflexes.
WHAT TO DO:
Dial 0 (operator) or 911 (emergency) for an ambulance or
medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
If the child is unconscious and not breathing, give mouth-to-
mouth breathing. If there is no heartbeat, use cardiac massage
and mouth-to-mouth breathing (CPR). Don't try to make the child
vomit. If you can't get help quickly, take the child to nearest
emergency facility.
See EMERGENCY INFORMATION.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS
SYMPTOMS WHAT TO DO
Life-threatening:
None expected.
Common:
Dizziness, Continue. Call doctor
drowsiness, weight when convenient.
gain, lightheadedness
upon rising from sitting
or lying, swollen breasts.
Dry mouth. Continue. Tell doctor at next
visit.
Infrequent:
Abnormal heart Discontinue. Call
rhythm. doctor right away.
Headache; painful Continue. Call doctor
glands in neck; when convenient.
nightmares; nausea;
vomiting; cold fingers
and toes; dry, burning
eyes.
Insomnia, Continue. Tell doctor
constipation, at next visit.
appetite loss,
diminished sex drive.
Rare:
Rash, itch. Discontinue. Call doctor right
away.
Depression. Continue. Call doctor when
convenient.
WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if:
You are allergic to any alpha-adrenergic blocker.
You are under age 12.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
If you will have surgery within 2 months, including dental
surgery, requiring general or spinal anesthesia.
If you have heart disease or chronic kidney disease.
If you have a peripheral circulation disorder (intermittent
claudication, Buerger's disease).
If you have history of depression.
Pregnancy:
Studies inconclusive on harm to unborn child. Animal studies
show fetal abnormalities. Decide with your doctor whether drug
benefits justify risk to unborn child.
Infants & children:
Use only under careful medical supervision after age 12. Avoid
before age 12.
Prolonged use:
Don't discontinue without consulting doctor. Dose may require
gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long time. Doses
of other drugs may also require adjustment.
Continued use may cause fluid retention, requiring addition of
diuretic to treatment program.
Request yearly eye examinations.
Skin & sunlight:
No age-related problems expected.
Driving or hazardous activities:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine
affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb
ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink
alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes.
Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue abruptly. May cause rebound high blood
pressure, anxiety, chest pain, insomnia, headache, nausea,
irregular heartbeat, flushed face, sweating.
Others:
No age-related problems expected.
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS
|
|
|
| ACE inhibitors: |
Possible excessive |
| captopril, enalapril, |
potassium in blood. |
| lisinopril (see Drugs |
| Glossary) |
| Antidepressants, |
Decreased clonidine |
| tricyclic (TCA, |
effect. |
| Drugs See Glossary) |
| Antihypertensives |
Excessive blood- |
| (other, see Drugs |
pressure drop. |
| Glossary) |
| Appetite |
Decreased clonidine |
| suppressants |
effect. |
| (see Drugs Glossary) |
| Beta-adrenergic |
Possible precipitous |
| blockers (see |
change in blood |
| Drugs Glossary) |
pressure. |
| Diuretics |
Excessive blood- |
| (see Drugs Glossary) |
pressure drop. |
| Ethinamate |
Dangerous increased effects of |
| |
ethinamate. Avoid combining. |
| Fenfluramine |
Possible increased clonidine |
| |
effect. |
| Fluoxetine |
Increased depressant effects of |
| |
both drugs. |
| Guanfacine |
Blood-pressure control impaired. |
| Leucovorin |
High alcohol content of leucovorin |
| |
may cause adverse effects. |
| Methyprylon |
Increased sedative effect, perhaps |
| |
to dangerous level. Avoid. |
| Nitrates |
Possible excessive blood-pressure |
| |
drop. |
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES
| Marijuana: |
Weakness on standing. |
| Tobacco: |
None expected. |
| ‡ |
|
|
|
|
Dserun mollit anim id est laborum. Lorem ipsum and sunt in culpa qui officias deserunt mollit. Excepteur plus sint occaecat the best cupidatat nonr proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. September 24, 2004
