$Unique_ID{BRK01897}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{CLONIDINE}
$Subject{Catapres (Boehringer Ingelheim)
Catapres-TTS (Boehringer Ingelheim)
clonidine hydrochloride (various manufacturers)}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Catapres 0.1*0189701.scf
Catapres 0.2*0189702.scf
Catapres 0.3*0189703.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


CLONIDINE
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Catapres (Boehringer Ingelheim)
     Catapres-TTS (Boehringer Ingelheim)
     clonidine hydrochloride (various manufacturers)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antihypertensive
INGREDIENT:
     clonidine hydrochloride
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (0.1 mg, 0.2 mg, and 0.3 mg)
     Transdermal patch (2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 7.5 mg per patch; release rate of
       clonidine is 0.1 mg, 0.2 mg, and 0.3 mg per 24 hours)
STORAGE:
     Clonidine tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly
       closed container.  Do not remove a patch from its packaging until just
       before you apply it.

USES

     This medication works on the central nervous system (brain and spinal
cord) to prevent the release of chemicals responsible for maintaining high
blood pressure.

TREATMENT

     To avoid stomach irritation, you can take clonidine tablets with food or
with a full glass of milk or water.  In order to become accustomed to taking
this medication, try to take it at the same time(s) every day.
     Clonidine transdermal patches come with detailed patient instructions
that should be carefully followed.  Apply the patch to a hairless area of
unbroken skin on the upper arm or chest.  If the patch becomes loose before it
is time to remove it (after seven days), apply adhesive tape over the patch to
ensure good adhesion.  To avoid skin irritation, apply each new patch to a
different site after removing the old one.
     If you miss a dose of clonidine tablets, take the missed dose as
soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.  In
that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to
your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next dose.  If you
miss more than two doses of this medication, contact your doctor.
     If you forget to remove the clonidine transdermal patch after seven days,
remove the old patch as soon as you remember.  Apply a new patch immediately
to a different site.
     Clonidine does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help control the
condition as long as it is taken.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Anxiety, constipation, decreased sexual desire, dizziness, drowsiness,
dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, insomnia, jaw pain, loss of appetite,
nasal congestion, nausea, nervousness, or vomiting.  These side effects should
disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
     The patches can also cause burning, inflammation, itching, rash, or
increased or decreased pigmentation of the skin at the site of application.
TELL YOUR DOCTOR if the skin reactions persist or become bothersome.
     To prevent constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), unless your
doctor tells you not to.
     To relieve mouth dryness, suck on ice chips or a piece of hard candy or
chew sugarless gum.
     "Artificial tears" eye drops may help relieve eye dryness.
     To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax
the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising.  Do this by pushing
one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating
feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
chest pain; cold fingertips or toes; depression; difficulty in breathing;
difficulty in urinating; enlarged, painful breasts (in both sexes); hair loss;
hives; impotence; itching; nightmares; rash; swelling of the hands or feet;
weight gain; or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Clonidine interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. Concurrent use of clonidine with other central nervous system
depressants (such as alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepine
tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, narcotics, pain medications, phenothiazine
tranquilizers, and sleeping medications) or with tricyclic antidepressants can
cause extreme drowsiness.
     2. Tolazoline and tricyclic antidepressants may block the
blood-pressure-lowering effects of clonidine.
     Before you start to take this medication, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR
about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about any unusual or allergic reactions you have had
to medications, especially to clonidine.
     * Tell your doctor if you have ever had heart disease, kidney disease,
depression, Raynaud's disease, or a heart attack or stroke.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, tell
your doctor or dentist you are taking this drug.
     * Do not take any over-the-counter (nonprescription) medication for
weight control or for allergy, asthma, sinus, cough, or cold problems unless
you first check with your doctor.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous equipment.
     * Tolerance to this medication develops occasionally; consult your doctor
if you feel that the drug is becoming less effective.
     * Do not stop taking this medication without first consulting your
doctor.  If therapy with this drug is stopped abruptly, you may experience
nervousness, agitation, headache, and a rise in blood pressure.  Your doctor
may, therefore, want to reduce your dosage of the drug gradually or start you
on another medication.
     * Make sure you have enough medication on hand to last through weekends,
vacations, and holidays.
     * Drinking alcoholic beverages, standing for prolonged periods,
exercising, and hot weather can each increase the blood-pressure-lowering
effects of clonidine and can cause fainting or dizziness.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although clonidine
appears to be safe in animals, extensive studies in humans during pregnancy
have not been conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an
infant.  Small amounts of clonidine pass into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
