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Brand Names: Catapres-TTS-1, Catapres-TTS-2, Catapres-TTS-3

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

• What is clonidine transdermal (Catapres-TTS-1, Catapres-TTS-2, Catapres-TTS-3)?
• What are the possible side effects of clonidine transdermal (Catapres-TTS-1, Catapres-TTS-2, Catapres-TTS-3)?
• What is the most important information I should know about clonidine transdermal (Catapres-TTS-1, Catapres-TTS-2, Catapres-TTS-3)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using clonidine transdermal (Catapres-TTS-1, Catapres-TTS-2, Catapres-TTS-3)?
• How should I use clonidine transdermal (Catapres-TTS-1, Catapres-TTS-2, Catapres-TTS-3)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Catapres-TTS-1, Catapres-TTS-2, Catapres-TTS-3)?
• What happens if I overdose (Catapres-TTS-1, Catapres-TTS-2, Catapres-TTS-3)?
• What should I avoid while using clonidine transdermal (Catapres-TTS-1, Catapres-TTS-2, Catapres-TTS-3)?
• What other drugs will affect clonidine transdermal (Catapres-TTS-1, Catapres-TTS-2, Catapres-TTS-3)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is clonidine transdermal (Catapres-TTS-1, Catapres-TTS-2, Catapres-TTS-3)?

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

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

What are the possible side effects of clonidine transdermal (Catapres-TTS-1, Catapres-TTS-2, Catapres-TTS-3)?

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:

• 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;
• numbness or cold feeling in your hands or feet;
• feeling like you might pass out; or
• severe skin irritation, redness, swelling, burning, or blistering where the patch is worn.

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;
• decreased sex drive, impotence; or
• skin rash, discoloration, or mild irritation where the patch is worn.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about clonidine transdermal (Catapres-TTS-1, Catapres-TTS-2, Catapres-TTS-3)?

Before using clonidine transdermal, tell your doctor if you have heart disease or severe coronary artery disease, a heart rhythm disorder, a history of heart attack or stroke, or kidney disease. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products.

Clonidine skin patches come with optional "cover" patches. The cover patch is placed over the clonidine patch to help it stick to your skin. The cover patch does not contain any active medicine. It should be worn only over a clonidine patch.

Clonidine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

The clonidine transdermal patch may burn your skin if you wear the patch during an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Remove the clonidine patch before undergoing such a test.

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using clonidine transdermal. If you need emergency heart resuscitation, your family or caregivers should tell emergency medical personnel if you are wearing a clonidine skin patch. The patch should be removed before any electrical equipment (such as a defribrillator) is used on you.

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

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