General Info: Uses and Effects

Catapres Generic (Clonidine) is a medicine that is used to treat hypertension or high blood pressure. It can be used alone or with other drugs. This medicament lowers high blood pressure and helps in preventing conditions, such as kidney problems, a heart attack and a stroke. It is classified under central alpha agonists, which are drugs that are used to lower blood pressure. Doctors may recommend this medicine for some off-label uses, such as sleep apnea, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Tourette's syndrome, smoking cessation, and alcohol/narcotics withdrawal.

Contraindication: Important to Know

Before taking this drug, inform your doctor if you have a history of health issues, such as slow heartbeats, stroke attack, low blood sugar level, a heart rhythm problem, and kidney disease. Your physician should also know if you have ever had an allergic reaction to the drug. If you use Catapres Clonidine, avoid activities that require alertness because the medicine can impair your judgement. You should also avoid taking two forms of the drug simultaneously.

During treatment of high blood pressure, keep using the medication even if you start feeling well. Often, high blood pressure may not have symptoms. Also, you may be required to use the drug for the treatment of high blood pressure for life. If you are waiting to undergo surgery, inform your surgeon in advance since you may be advised to stop using the medicine for a while.

Bear in mind the following:

• Do not take the drug if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.
• Inform your doctor if you have adverse coronary artery disorder, slow heartbeats, heart disease, heart rhythm disorder, kidney disease, heart attack, stroke, or pheochromocytoma.
• Some adults may exhibit sensitivity to the effects of the drug.
• It has not been established whether Catapres is harmful to the unborn baby. However, you need to talk to your doctor about the pregnancy before you can start taking the medicine.
• Clonidine can be passed through breast milk to the nursing baby; consult your doctor for guidance.
• The medicine is not approved for use by people less than 18 years.

It is important to emphasize the fact that the effectiveness of this drug is pegged on how you use it. During consultation with your doctor, ensure that you disclose as much information about your health as possible. This way, the physician will make a prescription from a point of knowledge to help manage the condition effectively and safeguard your health.

Instructions on Taking

This is a prescription drug; you therefore need to talk to a general practitioner for guidance on its use. Read and understand the instructions on the label. Your doctor has to observe how you respond to treatment for a while, and might have to adjust the dosage for the best effect. Usually, the drug is taken either in the morning or during bedtime, with or without food.

Do not discontinue Catapres Clonidine use suddenly because that may cause withdrawal symptoms. Instead, inform your doctor of your intention to stop using, possibly due to severe side effects. An alternative medication may be prescribed. In case you experience side effects such as vomiting, call your doctor immediately because prolonged illness may lead to withdrawal symptoms. It is also important to understand possible side effects beforehand, and ways through which to minimize their risks.

Dosage

The dosage of Catapres is based on a number of factors, such as medical conditions, age, and other drugs you might be using. Initially, your doctor may prescribe 0.1mg taken twice per day, in the morning and bedtime. A lower initial dose may be prescribed for elderly patients. Regular adjustments, possibly weekly, are recommended depending on your response until a stable dose vs response is realized. The most ideal dose may range from 0.2mg to 0.6mg divided into daily doses. Even though the highest possible dose that studies recommend is 2.4mg per day, but it is very rare to get to this level.

Patients with known renal impairments are especially prescribed lower doses. During the whole course of treatment, close monitoring of progress is required. You must therefore keep your doctor informed on how you feel. Your pressure will have to be taken regularly as well. If you miss a dosage, you should take it immediately you remember. However, if it is almost time to take your next dose you can skip it. Taking extra dosage to compensate for missed dosage is prohibited. In case of overdosage, you should call your doctor immediately and give the information. Overdose will lead you to experience some symptoms such as hypertension. You will start experiencing symptoms such as pain in the chest, nose bleeding, adverse headache and weakness of your body among others.

Side Effects

Using Catapres Clonidine may cause a number of side effects. Allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face, throat, and lips, are also possible. Don't hesitate to contact your doctor for immediate medical attention. Other side effects include, but not limited to:

• Hives and breathing difficulties;
• Slow heart rate;
• Blurred vision;
• Feeling as if you are about to pass out;
• Pounding ears and eyes;
• Breathing difficulties;
• Irregular heartbeat;
• Pain in the chest;
• Confusion, nose bleeding, and anxiety.

Other common adverse effects include irritation and tiredness, loss of appetite and dry mouth, dizziness and feeling drowsy, and insomnia. You might also experience nightmares.

Interaction with Other Drugs

Taking Catapres Clonidine with some other drugs known to cause drowsiness may worsen its effect. Inform your doctor before taking sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, medicine for anxiety and depression. It is always wise to inform your doctor about all drugs you are taking before taking this medicine. Some of the drugs that interact with Catapres Generic include:

• Medications for blood pressure or other heart diseases;
• Medicines that contain Clonidine;
• Antidepressants.

Please bear in mind that the above list is not complete as there are some other drugs, vitamins, and herbal products that may interact with Clonidine.