Clonidine Overview

(KLON i deen)

Catapres-TTS®; Catapres®; Duraclon®

Apo-Clonidine®; Carapres®; Dixarit®; Dom-Clonidine; Novo-Clonidine; Nu-Clonidine

Alpha2-Adrenergic Agonist

• This medicine does not mix well with some medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.

• If you have an allergy to clonidine or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• Clonidine decreases the body's release of adrenaline and other hormones that increase blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety.

• It works works through the brain to relieve pain.

• It has a stabilizing effect in children with attention deficit disorder.

All forms:

• Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.

Tablet:

• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

• Take last dose of the day at bedtime.

Skin patch:

• Remove old patch first.

• Apply to clean, dry, healthy skin on chest, back, or belly. Move site with each patch.

• If patch loosens, apply tape over it to hold in place.

Injection:

• This medicine is given into the spine.

Oral:

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

Skin patch:

• Apply a missed patch as soon as possible after removing the old one.

• If it is almost time for the next patch, place the new patch on.

• Start a new schedule after patch is replaced.

• Do not apply a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.

• Store patch and tablets at room temperature.

• Protect tablets from light.

• Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

• The injection will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 11:36:22.0

Modified: 2010-03-25 09:09:12.0

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