Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects of Catapres.
Chemical Name: CLONIDINE (KLOE-ni-deen)
Catapres 0.2mg is an alpha agonist used to treat high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Catapres 0.2mg. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline or nortriptyline), beta blockers (such as atenolol or propranolol), calcium channel blockers (such as verapamil or diltiazem), or digoxin. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including kidney problems, heart problems, problems with the blood vessels in your heart or brain, the blood disease porphyria, or a history of stroke, recent heart attack, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Check with your doctor if you will be having surgery, or if you have ever had a skin reaction to the patch form of Catapres 0.2mg. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking Catapres 0.2mg.
Follow the directions for using Catapres 0.2mg provided by your doctor. CATAPRES 0.2mg MAY BE TAKEN on an empty stomach or with food. STORE CATAPRES 0.2mg at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF CATAPRES 0.2mg, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. IF YOU MISS 2 or more doses in a row, contact your doctor.
DO NOT TAKE CATAPRES 0.2mg if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT STOP TAKING CATAPRES 0.2mg without checking with your doctor. Nervousness, agitation, confusion, tremor, and headache may occur. These may be followed by a rapid, severe rise in blood pressure. You may be at greater risk if you use high doses or if you also take a beta-blocker (eg, propranolol). If you need to stop taking Catapres 0.2mg, follow your doctor's instructions for slowly decreasing your dose. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR if you develop an illness that includes vomiting or if you vomit soon after you take Catapres 0.2mg. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including blood pressure, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking Catapres 0.2mg. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Catapres 0.2mg. CATAPRES 0.2mg MAY CAUSE drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or blurred vision. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to Catapres 0.2mg. Check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while you are using Catapres 0.2mg. CATAPRES 0.2mg WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes medicines that contain stimulants, such as decongestants and diet aids. IF YOU EXPERIENCE DRY MOUTH, use sugarless candy or gum, or melt bits of ice in your mouth. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING CATAPRES 0.2mg IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine, especially dizziness. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Catapres 0.2mg during pregnancy. CATAPRES 0.2mg IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using Catapres 0.2mg, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, headache, constipation, nausea, or trouble sleeping. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. PATIENTS WHO WEAR CONTACT LENSES may notice dry eyes while using Catapres 0.2mg. If you experience eye dryness or irritation, talk with your doctor about ways to lessen this effect. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience decreased sexual desire or ability. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience blurred vision or other vision changes; chest pain; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; mental or mood changes (eg, anxiety, agitation, depression, hallucinations); severe or persistent headache or dizziness; or swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to Catapres 0.2mg is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; or unusual hoarseness. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions for Catapres
Accidental overdose of clonidine is an increasing cause of poisoning in children 3 and under. If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include coma, decreased body temperature (feeling very cold), difficult or slow breathing; irritability, pinpoint pupils, seizures, severe or persistent dizziness or drowsiness, slow or irregular heartbeat, or weakness.
DO NOT SHARE CATAPRES 0.2mg with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE CATAPRES 0.2mg for other health conditions. KEEP CATAPRES 0.2mg out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING CATAPRES 0.2mg FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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