Clonidine 0.1mg 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 decreased peripheral vascular resistance, heart rate, and blood pressure. In ADHD, its mechanism is thought to involve modulation of noradrenergic activity in the prefrontal cortex.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
If you experience any of the following severe side effects, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention. Although rare, some individuals may be at risk for life-threatening reactions. Be aware of the following symptoms that could indicate a serious side effect:
- 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, difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Abnormal heartbeat, including fast, slow, or irregular rhythms

Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people may not experience any side effects or may only have mild ones. If you encounter any of the following side effects or any other unusual effects that bother you or do not go away, consult your doctor:
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, or weakness
- Headache
- Upset stomach
These are not all the possible side effects. If you have concerns about side effects, discuss them with your doctor.

Reporting Side Effects
For medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

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 allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
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
+ Beta blockers, such as metoprolol or propranolol
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions.

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 to take this medication in conjunction with your other medications and health issues. Never start, stop, or modify 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.

Regularly monitor your blood pressure and heart rate as directed by your doctor. 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 drugs that may impair your reactions, 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, discuss the benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor to ensure the best outcome for 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
• MAO inhibitors - theoretical risk of hypertensive crisis (though less common than with direct sympathomimetics)

• Diuretics and other antihypertensives - additive hypotensive effects
• Vasodilators - additive hypotensive effects
• Digitalis glycosides - increased risk of bradycardia and AV block
• Neuroleptics (e.g., antipsychotics) - additive hypotensive and sedative effects
• Alpha-1 blockers (e.g., prazosin) - may enhance hypotensive effect

• NSAIDs - may reduce the antihypertensive effect of clonidine

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

Clonidine is Pregnancy Category C. Studies in animals have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Clonidine is excreted into breast milk. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers clonidine to be compatible with breastfeeding, but caution is advised. Monitor breastfed infants for sedation, lethargy, and poor feeding.

Approved for hypertension in children and adolescents. Extended-release formulation (Kapvay) is approved for ADHD in children 6-17 years. Dosing is weight-based for hypertension. Close monitoring for sedation and cardiovascular effects is crucial. Abrupt discontinuation should be avoided.

Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the hypotensive and sedative effects of clonidine. Start with lower doses and titrate slowly. Increased risk of orthostatic hypotension. Monitor renal function closely as it declines with age.

• Clonidine should never be stopped abruptly due to the risk of severe rebound hypertension, which can be life-threatening. Taper dose gradually over 2-4 days or longer.
• Common side effects include dry mouth, drowsiness, and dizziness. These often improve with continued use.
• Consider administering the majority of the daily dose at bedtime to minimize daytime sedation.
• Useful in patients with hypertension complicated by renal disease due to its renal excretion profile.
• Can be used off-label for various conditions including opioid withdrawal, Tourette's syndrome, menopausal flushing, and restless legs syndrome.
• Monitor for orthostatic hypotension, especially when initiating therapy or increasing dose.

• For Hypertension: Thiazide diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide), ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril), Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) (e.g., losartan), Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g., amlodipine), Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol).
• For ADHD: Stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate, amphetamine), other non-stimulants (e.g., atomoxetine, guanfacine).
• For Opioid Withdrawal: Buprenorphine/naloxone, methadone.

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to reach out to 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 seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.