Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Catapres

Generic Name: clonidine (oral) (Pronunciation: KLOE ni deen)

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

What is clonidine (Catapres)?

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.

Clonidine is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). It is sometimes used together with other blood pressure medications.

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

Catapres 0.1 mg

oval, tan, imprinted with Bl6

Catapres 0.2 mg

oval, orange, imprinted with BI7

Catapres 0.3 mg

oval, peach, imprinted with BI11

Clonidine 0.1 mg-ESI

round, blue, imprinted with LL, C 42

Clonidine 0.1 mg-MUT

round, yellow, imprinted with MP 657

Clonidine 0.1 mg-MYL

round, white, imprinted with MYLAN 152

Clonidine 0.1 mg-PUR

round, orange, imprinted with R, 127

Clonidine 0.2 mg-MUT

round, white, imprinted with MP 658

Clonidine 0.2 mg-MYL

round, white, imprinted with MYLAN 186

Clonidine 0.2 mg-PUR

round, orange, imprinted with 128, R

Clonidine 0.3 mg-MUT

round, green, imprinted with MP 659

Clonidine 0.3 mg-MYL

round, white, imprinted with MYLAN 199

What are the possible side effects of clonidine (Catapres)?

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 any of these serious side effects:

• fast or pounding heartbeats;
• a very slow heart rate (fewer than 60 beats per minute);
• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• confusion, hallucinations;
• fever, pale skin;
• urinating less than usual or not at all; or
• feeling like you might pass out.

Less serious side effects may include:

• feeling dizzy, drowsy, tired, or nervous;
• dry mouth;
• dry or burning eyes, blurred vision;
• headache, muscle or joint pain;
• nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• urinating more at night;
• mild skin rash or itching; or
• decreased sex drive, impotence.

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 (Catapres)?

Before you take clonidine, tell your doctor if you have heart disease or severe coronary artery disease, a heart rhythm disorder, a history of heart attack or stroke, kidney disease, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a clonidine transdermal skin patch (Catapres TTS).

Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without first talking to your doctor. Stopping this medication suddenly can cause nervousness, agitation, headache, tremors, severe high blood pressure, or life-threatening symptoms. Talk with your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking clonidine.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of clonidine.

Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Clonidine 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 this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.