Clonidine (By mouth)

Introduction:

Clonidine (KLOE-ni-deen)

Treats high blood pressure. May also be used to treat migraine headaches, Tourette's syndrome, or other medical conditions. Belongs to a class of drugs called antihypertensives.

Brand Name(s):

Catapres

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often. Use this medicine exactly as ordered by your doctor. Even if you feel fine, your blood pressure can still be high.
• You may take your medicine with food or milk to avoid stomach upset.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature, away from light, heat, and moisture.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Avoid drinking alcohol.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using other medicines that may make you drowsy, such as sleeping pills, sedatives, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, narcotic pain killers, tricyclic antidepressants (such as Elavil® or Anafranil®) or beta-blockers (such as Tenormin® or Inderal®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is important for your doctor to know if you have any other medical problems, particularly heart or blood vessel disease, diabetes, kidney disorders, depression, Raynaud's disease, stroke, or lupus.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
• This medicine may make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. If it does, avoid driving a car or operating machinery.
• To avoid getting dizzy while using this medicine, get up slowly from a lying or sitting position.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. You may need to use smaller and smaller doses before completely stopping.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Trouble breathing
• Very slow heartbeat
• Severe skin rash
• Faintness
• Unusual tiredness or extreme weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Drowsiness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: