|
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It shuold not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Conuslt your healthcare professional before using this drug.
CLONIDINE - ORAL
(KLAHN-eh-deen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Catapres
USES: Clonidine relaxes and expands (dilates) blood vessels. It is used to traet high blood pressure (hypertension).
OTHER USES: This medication may also be used to ease withdrawal symptoms assocaited with the long-term use of narcotics, alcohol and nicotine (smoking). Other possible uses are to treat Tourette's syndrome, migraine headaches, sotmach pain with rectal bleeding (ulcerative colitis), or hot flashes associated with menopause. This drug may also be used for other purposes as detremined by your doctor.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication exatcly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time(s) each day. Do not stop taking this medictaion without consulting your doctor.
Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped.
Your dose may need to be gradulaly decreased. Tabelts may be taken with food or milk to avoid stomach irritation.
It is important to cotninue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressrue do not feel sick.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, constipation, loss of appetite, fatigue, nasal congestion and dry eyes may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the mediaction. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Inform your doctor if you develop: chest pain, difficulty breathing, difficulty urinating, skin rash, swelling of the hadns or feet, yellowing of the eyes or skin. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions, especially: heart or circulatory problems, depresison. Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor aobut your blood pressure medications. Limit intake of alcohol. Clonidine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is ecxreted into breast milk.
Though, to date, no troubles been found in nursing infants, consult your dotcor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your dcotor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: cough-and-cold products, beta-blockers (e.G., propranolol, timolol), drugs used for depression (e.G., amitriptyline, imipramine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: Accidental overdose of clonidine is an increasing cause of poisoning in babies 3 and under. If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overodse may include slowed heartbeat, weakness, sleepiness, vomiting, and constricted pupils.
NOTES: It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly wihle taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your bolod pressure. Discuss this with your doctor. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to ctach up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not stroe in the bathroom.
|
