Clonidine hydrochloride (
Catapres®,
Catapres-TTS®,
Duraclon®) is a prescription medicine used for treating several conditions. The tablets (Catapres) and skin patches (Catapres-TTS) are used to
treat high blood pressure, while Duraclon is given by continuous epidural infusion to treat severe pain in people with cancer.
Clonidine belongs to a group of medications known as alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. It works to
lower blood pressure by stimulating alpha-2 receptors in the brain stem and decreasing certain substances (such as renin or aldosterone) in the body. When used in an epidural to treat pain, clonidine works by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain.
Before you start taking clonidine, information on the drug should be reviewed to help minimize risks and to ensure safe treatment. It is important that you talk to your healthcare provider before taking clonidine if you have
heart disease, a bleeding disorder, or an irregular heart rhythm (as the medication may cause problems in people with these conditions). You should also tell your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking to help prevent
drug interactions with clonidine.
(Click Clonidine for more information, including more details about the medication's specific uses, dosing guidelines, precautions, and potential side effects.)
