Catapres 0.3mg Tablets

Clonidine is a centrally acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. It stimulates alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brainstem, which results in a reduction of sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system. This leads to a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance, renal vascular resistance, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention, as they may be signs of a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Abnormal heart rhythms, including fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat

Other Possible Side Effects
While many people taking this medication may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to be aware of the following potential side effects. If any of these symptoms bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor for advice:
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, or weakness
- Headache
- Upset stomach

Reporting Side Effects
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch. Your doctor is available to provide medical advice about side effects.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
If you are currently taking another medication that contains the same active ingredient as this drug.
* If you are taking any of the following medications: digoxin, diltiazem, verapamil, or beta blockers like metoprolol or propranolol.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential drug interactions or health concerns that may affect your use of this medication.

To ensure your safety, it is crucial to discuss all of your medications (including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins) and health conditions with your doctor and pharmacist. This will help determine whether it is safe for you to take this medication in conjunction with your other medications and health issues. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.

When starting this medication, avoid driving and other activities that require alertness until you understand how it affects you. To minimize the risk of dizziness or fainting, stand up slowly after sitting or lying down, and exercise caution when climbing stairs.

As directed by your doctor, regularly monitor your blood pressure and heart rate. If you have high blood pressure, consult your doctor before using over-the-counter (OTC) products that may increase blood pressure, such as cough or cold medications, diet pills, stimulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, and certain natural products or aids.

In hot weather or during physical activity, be cautious and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

This medication may cause dry eyes. If you wear contact lenses and experience dry eyes or a change in how your lenses feel, discuss this with your doctor.

Before consuming alcohol, marijuana, or other forms of cannabis, or taking prescription or OTC medications that may cause drowsiness, consult your doctor. If you vomit after taking a dose, talk to your doctor about the best course of action. Additionally, if you have used a patch form of this medication and experienced skin irritation, inform your doctor, as you may be more likely to develop a rash on other parts of your body with any form of this medication.

If you are 65 years or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.

If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks to you and your baby.

• Beta-blockers (increased risk of bradycardia, AV block, and rebound hypertension upon clonidine withdrawal)
• CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, opioids, sedating antihistamines) - additive sedative effects.

• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) - may antagonize the hypotensive effect of clonidine.
• Other antihypertensives - additive hypotensive effects.
• Digoxin - increased risk of bradycardia.
• Neuroleptics (e.g., haloperidol) - may increase risk of orthostatic hypotension.

• NSAIDs - may reduce the antihypertensive effect of clonidine.

• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Drowsiness/Sedation
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Headache
• Rebound hypertension (if abruptly discontinued)

Clonidine is classified as Pregnancy Category C. Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Clonidine is excreted into breast milk. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers it compatible with breastfeeding, but caution is advised. Monitor the infant for sedation, bradycardia, or hypotension.

Use in pediatric hypertension is off-label and requires careful titration and monitoring due to varying responses and potential for adverse effects. Extended-release formulations are approved for ADHD in children 6 years and older. Not recommended for routine use in children under 6 years for hypertension.

Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the hypotensive and sedative effects of clonidine. Lower initial doses and slower titration are recommended. Increased risk of orthostatic hypotension and falls.

• Abrupt discontinuation of clonidine can lead to severe rebound hypertension, sometimes exceeding pre-treatment levels. Taper dose gradually over 2-4 days or longer.
• Common side effects include dry mouth, drowsiness, and dizziness, which often diminish with continued therapy.
• Clonidine can cause orthostatic hypotension; advise patients to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions.
• Used off-label for various conditions including opioid withdrawal, restless legs syndrome, hot flashes, and certain pain syndromes.
• The transdermal patch formulation (Catapres-TTS) offers continuous delivery and may reduce peak-and-trough effects and improve adherence for some patients.

• Other antihypertensives (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, beta-blockers)
• For ADHD: Stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate, amphetamines), other non-stimulants (e.g., atomoxetine, guanfacine)
• For opioid withdrawal: Buprenorphine/naloxone, methadone, lofexidine

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe and effective treatment, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it is a good idea to consult with your pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, do not hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide detailed information about the medication taken, the quantity, and the time it occurred.