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Catapres

Brand names: Clonidine, Catapres, Catapresan

Generic name: Clonidine Hydrochloride

Catapres is prescribed for high blood pressure. It is effective when used alone or with other high blood pressure medications. Doctors also prescribe Catapres for alcohol, nicotine, or benzodiazepine (tranquilizer) withdrawal; migraine headaches; smoking cessation programs; Tourette's syndrome (tics and uncontrollable utterances); narcotic / methadone detoxification; premenstrual tension; and diabetic diarrhea

Most important fact about Catapres

If you have high blood pressure, you must take Catapres regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Catapres; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Catapres does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.

How should you take Catapres ?

Take Catapres exactly as prescribed, even if you are feeling well. Try not to miss any doses. If Catapres is not taken regularly, your condition may get worse.

If you miss a dose of Catapres

Take it as soon as you remember, then go back to your regular schedule. If you forget to take Catapres 2 or more times in a row, contact your doctor.

Storage instructions for Catapres

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container away from light.

What side effects when taking Catapres may occur ?

Side effects of Catapres cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Catapres.

More common side effects when taking Catapres may include:

Agitation, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, impotence, loss of sex drive, nausea, nervousness, sedation (calm), vomiting, weakness.

Less common side effects when taking Catapres may include:

Changes in heartbeat, excessive nighttime urination, headache, loss of appetite, mental depression, pounding heartbeat, vague bodily discomfort, weight gain

Rare side effects when taking Catapres may include:

Abdominal pain, anxiety, behavior changes, blurred vision, breast development in males, burning eyes, congestive heart failure, constipation, delirium, dry eyes, dry nasal passages, fainting, fever, greater sensitivity to alcohol, hallucinations, heart irregularities, hepatitis, hair loss, hives, insomnia, itching, joint pain, leg cramps, little or no urination, muscle pain, pallor, restlessness, vivid dreams or nightmares.

Why should Catapres not be prescribed ?

Do not take Catapres if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Catapres.

Special warnings about Catapres

Catapres should not be stopped suddenly. Headache, nervousness, agitation, tremor, confusion, and rapid rise in blood pressure can occur. Severe reactions such as disruption of brain functions, stroke, fluid in the lungs, and death have also been reported. Your doctor should gradually reduce your dosage over several days to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

If you have severe heart or kidney disease, are recovering from a heart attack, or have a disease of the blood vessels of the brain, your doctor will prescribe Catapres with caution.

If you are taking Catapres and a beta blocker such as Inderal or Tenormin, and your doctor wants to stop your medication, the beta blocker should be stopped several days before the gradual withdrawal of Catapres.

Catapres may cause drowsiness. If it has this effect on you, avoid driving, operating dangerous machinery, or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Catapres

Catapres may increase the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking Catapres.

If Catapres is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered.

It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Catapres with the following:

Barbiturates such as Nembutal and Seconal
Beta-blocker drugs such as the blood pressure medications Inderal and Lopressor
Calcium blockers such as the heart medications Calan and Cardizem
Digitalis
Sedatives such as Valium, Xanax, and Halcion
Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil and Tofranil

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Catapres during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Catapres appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Catapres is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with Catapres is finished.

Recommended dosages for Catapres

ADULTS

The dosage will be adjusted to your individual needs.

The usual starting dose is 0.1 milligram, twice a day (usually in the morning and at bedtime).

The regular dose of Catapres is determined by increasing the daily dose by 0.1 milligram at weekly intervals until the desired response is achieved. A larger portion of the increased dose can be taken at bedtime to reduce potential side effects of drowsiness and dry mouth that may appear when you begin taking Catapres.

The most common effective dosages range from 0.2 milligram to 0.6 milligram per day divided into smaller doses. The maximum effective dose is 2.4 milligrams per day; however, this dose is not usually prescribed.

CHILDREN

Safety and effectiveness of the Catapres tablets and patch in children below the age of 12 have not been established.

OLDER ADULTS

Dosages are generally as above; however, the initial dosage for an older person may be lower than the regular starting dose.

Overdosage with Catapres

Symptoms of Catapres overdose may include:

Constriction of pupils of the eye, drowsiness, high blood pressure followed by a drop in pressure, irritability, low body temperature, slowed breathing, slowed heartbeat, slowed reflexes, weakness

Large overdoses of Catapres can cause changes in heart function or rhythm, coma, seizures, and temporary interruptions in breathing.

If you suspect symptoms of a Catapres overdose, seek medical attention immediately.