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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay, Nexiclon XR)?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to clonidine.

To make sure you can safely take clonidine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• heart disease or severe coronary artery disease;
• heart rhythm disorder, slow heartbeats;
• low blood pressure;
• 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).

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known if clonidine is harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Clonidine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give Kapvay to a child younger than 6 years old.

How should I take clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay, Nexiclon XR)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Do not take two forms of clonidine at the same time.

Clonidine may be taken with or without food.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure the liquid with a special dose measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole. Breaking the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using clonidine. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Do not stop using clonidine suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using clonidine.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication 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.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

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