Catapres

Generic Name: Clonidine
US Brand Name: Catapres
Other Brand/Trade Names: There are several trade names of Clonidine, including Catapres-TTS and Dixarit

Uses

This medication is used to treat high blood pressure. This medication may also be used to ease withdrawal symptoms associated with the long-term use of narcotics, alcohol and nicotine (smoking). In addition, Clonidine may also be used for migraine headaches, hot flashes associated with menopause, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Active Ingredients: clonidine hydrochloride
Inactive Ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch, dibasic calcium phosphate, gelatin, glycerin, lactose, magnesium stearate, methylparaben, propylparaben, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Blue No. 1 and FD&C Red No. 3.

Dosage and Forms

Clonidine is typically available as tablets, as a transdermal patch or as injectable form to be given epidurally, directly to the central nervous system. Take Clonidine tablets by mouth, usually twice daily (in the morning and at bedtime) or as directed by your doctor. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same times each day as directed. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor because your condition may become worse.

Contraindications and Precautions

This medication should not be taken by anyone who :
is allergic to Cclonidine or to any of the ingredients of the medication
has a certain type of abnormal heart rhythm associated with a low heart rate

Side Effects

The most common side effect associated with Clonidine is dizziness associated with sudden changes in position such as standing up rapidly. In order to avoid this, patients should stand up slowly. Clonidine can cause dry mouth, constipation, nausea, daytime sleepiness, weakness, and lethargy. These side effects may take several weeks to disappear. In some cases, these side effects can be eliminated with dosage readjustment. In addition, Clonidine may cause eye dryness, loss of sex drive, and decreased sexual activity. If patients experience weight gain in the beginning of therapy, they can expect this side effect to decline over a period of several days to weeks.

Interactions

There may be an interaction between Clonidine and any of the following:
• ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, lisinopril)
• alcohol
• appetite suppressants
• barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital)
• beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, metoprolol)
• calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil)
• chlorpromazine
• cyclosporine
• digoxin
• diuretics (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide)
• fluphenazine
• levodopa
• MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine)
• neuroleptics (e.g., haloperidol)
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., indomethacin, naproxen, diclofenac)
• prazosin
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine)