Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Clorpres

Generic Name: clonidine and chlorthalidone (Pronunciation: KLOE ni deen and klor THAL i done)

• What is clonidine and chlorthalidone (Clorpres)?
• What are the possible side effects of clonidine and chlorthalidone (Clorpres)?
• What is the most important information I should know about clonidine and chlorthalidone (Clorpres)?
• What should I discuss with my doctor before taking clonidine and chlorthalidone (Clorpres)?
• How should I take clonidine and chlorthalidone (Clorpres)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Clorpres)?
• What happens if I overdose (Clorpres)?
• What should I avoid while taking clonidine and chlorthalidone (Clorpres)?
• What other drugs will affect clonidine and chlorthalidone (Clorpres)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is clonidine and chlorthalidone (Clorpres)?

Clonidine lowers blood pressure by decreasing the levels of certain chemicals in your blood. This allows your blood vessels to relax and your heart to beat more slowly and easily.

Chlorthalidone is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

The combination of clonidine and chlorthalidone treats fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or kidney disorders, or edema caused by taking steroids or estrogen. This medication is also used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Clonidine and chlorthalidone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of clonidine and chlorthalidone (Clorpres)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• dry mouth, increased thirst, drowsiness, restless feeling, nausea, vomiting, increased urination, muscle pain or weakness, fast heart rate, feeling light-headed, fainting, or seizure (convulsions);
• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
• red or purple spots on your skin;
• confusion, hallucinations;
• urinating more or less than usual, or not at all;
• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• numbness or tingly feeling; or
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• dry mouth, loss of appetite;
• diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach;
• dizziness, drowsiness;
• headache;
• feeling restless or nervous;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• nightmares or unusual dreams;
• breast swelling or tenderness;
• mild itching or skin rash; or
• impotence or loss of interest in sex.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about clonidine and chlorthalidone (Clorpres)?

Do not use this medication if you are unable to urinate.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfa drugs, or if you have liver disease, kidney disease, asthma, allergies, gout, lupus, or diabetes.

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of clonidine and chlorthalidone.

Do not stop using this medication suddenly without first talking to your doctor. Stopping this medication suddenly can cause nervousness, anxiety, severe high blood pressure, or life-threatening symptoms. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to the side effects of clonidine and chlorthalidone.

This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Keep using clonidine and chlorthalidone as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so you may not know when your blood pressure is high. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.