Catapres

Common Name: clonidine HCl

How does Catapres work?

Clonidine is used alone or in combination with thiazide diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide) to treat high blood pressure. It is usually tried when other types of blood pressure medications are ineffective or cannot be used. Your doctor may choose to use a medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use Catapres?

For treatment of high blood pressure, the dose of clonidine ranges from 0.1 mg to 0.6 mg daily, usually in two divided doses (morning and bedtime), depending on the needs and circumstances of the person using the medication. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without checking with your doctor. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

What form(s) does Catapres come in?

Catapres® is available in strengths of 0.1 mg and 0.2 mg. 0.1 mg: Each round, white, flat, bevelled-edged tablet with "O1C" over score line over "O1C" on one side and the Ingelheim Tower on the other, contains clonidine 0.1 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silica, dibasic calcium phosphate, lactose, maize starch (dried), polyvinylpyrrolidone, soluble starch, and stearic acid. 0.2 mg: Each round, orange, flat, bevelled-edged tablet with "O2C" over score line over "O2C" on one side and the Ingelheim Tower on the other, contains clonidine 0.2 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silica, dibasic calcium phosphate, FD&C Yellow No. 6, lactose, maize starch, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and stearic acid.

What should I NOT take with Catapres?

This medication should not be taken by: anyone allergic to clonidine or to any of the ingredients of the medication anyone with a certain type of abnormal heart rhythm associated with a low heart rate

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Catapres?

Withdrawal: Don't stop taking this drug without talking to your doctor. A severe withdrawal reaction may develop within 12 to 48 hours when clonidine is stopped suddenly. This reaction includes a rapid rise in blood pressure and symptoms such as nervousness, agitation, chest pain, pounding heartbeat, increased salivation, trembling hands, stomach cramps, trouble sleeping, vomiting, and headache. When stopping clonidine therapy, the doctor will instruct you to reduce the dose gradually over 2 to 4 days to avoid this reaction. A withdrawal reaction is most likely to occur in people who have been receiving large doses of clonidine or in those who are taking another type of blood pressure drug called a beta-blocker at the same time. Examples of beta-blockers are atenolol, metoprolol, and propranolol. Occupational hazards: Clonidine can cause drowsiness. Do not operate automobiles or potentially dangerous machinery until you have determined that it does not produce this effect on you. Depression: People with a history of depression should let their doctor know if their depression worsens or returns while on this medication. Heart or blood vessel disease: Because it lowers blood pressure, clonidine should be used with caution by people with severe heart disease or blood vessel disease, or a recent heart attack or stroke. Kidney failure: People with chronic kidney failure should be cautious while taking clonidine. Raynaud's disease: People with Raynaud's disease should be cautious while taking clonidine as it may worsen this condition. Eyes: People treated with clonidine should receive periodic eye examinations. Pregnancy: There are no adequate studies of the use of this medication by pregnant women. It should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Breast-feeding: Since clonidine passes into breast milk, it should not be used by nursing women. Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for use by children.