Clonidine hydrochloride (
Catapres®,
Catapres-TTS®,
Duraclon®) is a prescription medication that comes in a few different forms and is approved for two different uses.
Clonidine tablets (Catapres) and clonidine patches (Catapres-TTS) are approved for
treating high blood pressure. Duraclon is given by continuous epidural infusion (an "epidural") and is approved to be used in combination with opiates (like
morphine) for treating severe pain in people with cancer.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with clonidine.
However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects (most people actually tolerate it quite well). If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The side effects depend somewhat upon which form of the drug is used (tablets, patches, or epidural infusion). Some of the most common side effects include, but are not limited to:
(Click Clonidine Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Clonidine?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medicine if you:
- Have heart disease, especially chest pain (angina) or a recent heart attack
- Have an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Have had a stroke or transient ischemic attach (TIA)
- Have an upcoming surgery
- Have kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
- Have a bleeding disorder
- Are taking anticoagulant medications ("blood thinners")
- Have any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Clonidine belongs to a group of medications known as alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. It works by stimulating alpha-2 receptors in the brain stem. This causes a decrease in both
blood pressure and heart rate. There is also some evidence that clonidine may decrease certain substances (such as renin or aldosterone) in the body, an action that might also contribute to decreased blood pressure.
When used in an epidural to treat pain, clonidine works by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain.
When and How to Take Clonidine
Some general considerations include the following:
- Clonidine patches are usually applied to the skin once every seven days. Clonidine tablets are usually taken twice daily. Clonidine epidural infusion is given continuously.
- The directions for using each product may vary substantially, so be sure to follow the instructions for your particular product.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The particular clonidine product
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medications you are taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Clonidine Drug Interactions
An overdose with this medication may be dangerous. If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Clonidine?
If you forget to take your dose, take the missed dose as soon as your remember. However, if it almost time for your next dose, simply skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Clonidine products should be stored at room temperature, protected from light, heat, and moisture. Be sure to keep this medication out of the reach of children.
Some forms of clonidine are available in generic form.
Brand-name
Catapres and
Catapres-TTS are made by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Brand-name
Duraclon is made by Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Generic versions of clonidine are made by various manufacturers.
Clonidine patches (available in brand-name and generic form) come in the following strengths:
- Clonidine transdermal system, 0.1 mg per day
- Clonidine transdermal system, 0.2 mg per day
- Clonidine transdermal system, 0.3 mg per day.
Clonidine tablets (available in brand-name and generic form) come in the following strengths:
- Clonidine 0.1 mg
- Clonidine 0.2 mg
- Clonidine 0.3 mg.
Clonidine epidural infusion (available in brand-name form only) comes in the following strengths:
- Duraclon 100 mcg per mL (10 mL vials)
- Duraclon 500 mcg per mL (10 mL vials).
