Catapres

Generic name: Clonidine hydrochloride

What is Catapres?

Catapres is used alone or with other medications to treat high blood pressure.

What is the most important information I should know about Catapres?

If you have high blood pressure, you must take Catapres regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be weeks before you get the full benefit of Catapres. You must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Catapres does not cure high blood pressure; it only keeps it under control.

Do not stop taking Catapres without consulting your physician.

Catapres may cause you to become tired. You should use caution if you are using Catapres and engage in potentially hazardous activities (eg, driving, operating machinery). Using alcohol or drugs (eg, barbiturates) that may cause you to become tired may make you more tired if you combine them with Catapres.

If you are using Catapres patch and develop an allergic reaction, rash, vesicles, or severe redness at the treatment site, contact your physician. You may also develop an allergic reaction or skin rash if you discontinue using the Catapres patch and begin taking Catapres oral tablets. If you experience a mild skin irritation at the treatment site while using Catapres patch before completing the full 7 days of therapy, you may remove the Catapres patch and replace it with a new Catapres patch to a different site on your body.

If you are using the Catapres patch and it begins to loosen from your skin, use the adhesive cover that is included with the Catapres system and place it directly over the patch to ensure that the patch will stay on you for the remaining days of your dosing cycle.

Used Catapres patches will continue to contain large amounts of drug. It is therefore important for you to keep both used and unused patches out of the reach of children and to dispose of used Catapres patches properly. Following the use of a Catapres patch, fold the adhesive side in half and discard it out of children's reach.

Who should not take Catapres?

Do not take Catapres if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it or to any of the ingredients of the transdermal patch.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Catapres?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with Catapres. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have heart disease, kidney failure, had a stroke, or have recently had a heart attack.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Tablets

Adults: The usual starting dose is 0.1 milligrams (mg) taken 2 times a day. The regular dose of Catapres is determined by increasing the daily dose by 0.1 mg at weekly intervals until the desired response is achieved. A larger portion of the increased dose can be taken at bedtime to reduce the potential side effects of drowsiness and dry mouth that may appear when you begin taking this drug.

The most common effective dosages range from 0.2 mg to 0.6 mg per day, divided into smaller doses.

Your doctor will adjust your dose according to your individual response to the medication.

Transdermal Patch

The patch comes in different strengths. Your doctor will determine which is best for you based on your blood pressure response. Apply the patch to either the outer part of your upper arm or to your chest area. The spot where the patch is applied should be hairless and not contain any cuts or bruises. The patch should be worn for 7 days and then taken off and replaced with a new patch. The new patch should not be applied to the same exact spot.

If you are using another blood pressure medication, do not stop taking it abruptly when you first begin using the patch, because the patch may take a few days to begin working. The other medication should be discontinued slowly as the patch begins to take effect.

How should I take Catapres?

Take Catapres exactly as prescribed, even if you are feeling well. Do not miss any doses. If Catapres is not taken regularly, your condition may get worse.

The Catapres patch should be put on a hairless, clean area of the outer upper arm or chest. Normally, a new patch is applied every 7 days to a new area of the skin. If the patch becomes loose, use the adhesive cover that is included with the Catapres system and place it directly over the Catapres patch to help keep the patch in place.

What should I avoid while taking Catapres?

Do not stop taking Catapres suddenly. Headache, nervousness, agitation, tremor, confusion, and rapid rise in blood pressure can occur. Your doctor should gradually reduce your dosage over several days to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Catapres may cause drowsiness. Avoid driving, operating dangerous machinery, or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness.

A used Catapres patch still contains enough medication to be harmful to children and pets. Fold the patch in half with the adhesive sides together and dispose of it out of the reach of children and pets.

Catapres may increase the effects of alcohol. Do not drink while taking Catapres.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Catapres?

If Catapres is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Catapres with the following: alcohol, barbiturates, beta-blocker drugs, calcium channel blockers, digitalis, sedatives, and tricyclic antidepressants.

What are the possible side effects of Catapres?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: (Oral tablets): dry mouth, drowsiness, constipation, sedation.

(Patch): dry mouth, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, lethargy, sedation, insomnia, dizziness, impotence, dry throat, constipation, nausea, change in taste, nervousness, skin reactions at the treatment site (redness, itchiness, vesicles at the site, darkening of the skin at the site, swelling at the site, burning at the site), rash

Can I receive Catapres if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Catapres during pregnancy are not completely known. Notify your physician if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant prior to beginning therapy with either Catapres tablets or patches.

Catapres is found in breast milk. Discuss with your physician if you are breastfeeding and are planning to begin therapy with Catapres tablets or patches.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Catapres?

If you forget to take a Catapres tablet, take the tablet as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose.

Contact your physician if you have missed applying the Catapres patch at the appropriate time.

How should I store Catapres?

Store Catapres tablets at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light. Store Catapres patches below 86˚F (30˚C).