Clonidine Patch

Clonidine hydrochloride (Catapres^®, Catapres-TTS^®, Duraclon^®, Kapvay™, Nexiclon^® XR) is a prescription drug that comes in a few different forms and is approved for a few different uses. In the form of a skin patch, clonidine is licensed for the treatment of high blood pressure.

The skin patches are applied every seven days. You should replace the patch at the same time, on the same day every single week. Remove the old patch when you apply a new one; fold it in half and dispose of it out of the reach of children and pets.

Other things to be aware of when using the patch include:

Apply the patch to a hairless area such as the upper, outer arm or the chest. The area should be clean, dry, and free of any irritation or scars. Do not shave the area before applying the patch. Do not apply a patch to the same area twice in a row.
If the patch begins to separate from the skin, apply the white patch cover (which does not contain any medication) over the patch to help it stay in place. If the patch comes off or significantly loosens, you must apply a new patch altogether.
You may swim, bathe, and shower while wearing the patch.

(Click Catapres-TTS for more information on how to safely use the skin patch, to find out how the medication works, and to learn about the side effects associated with this product.)

Alternative Therapies for Pain Management

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD

Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD