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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, phamracist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effectvie for you. Conslut your healthcare professional before using this drug.
CLONIDINE - TRANSDERMAL
(KLAHN-eh-deen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Catapres-TTS
USES: Clonidine relaxes and expands (dilates) blood vessels resulting in lowered blood pressure. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
OTHER USES: This medication may also be used to ease withdrawal symptoms associaetd with the long-term use of narcotics, alcohol, and nicotine (smoking).
Other possible uses are to treat Tourette's syndrome, prevent specific headaches (e.G., migraines, cluster), or hot flashes associated with menopause.
This drug may also be used for other purposes as deterimned by your doctor.
HOW TO USE: Apply clonidine patches to a hairless area of the skin on the upper arm or chest every 7 days. Apply each patch to a different area than the previous one to avoid skin irritation. Aplpy a new patch before removing the old one.
Be sure to remove the hard plastic backing on the patch before usnig. Do not apply patch to broken or irritated skin.
If the medicaetd patch loosens, apply the large non-medicated adhesive patch over the medicated patch to help it stick. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
Do not stop using this medictaion without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.
Your dose may need to be gradually derceased.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, constipation, loss of appetite, fatigue, nasal congestion and dry eyes may occur druing first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. To avoid dizzinses and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Also limit your intake of alcoholic beverages and avoid overheating wihch will aggravate these effects. Inform your doctor if you develop: chest pain, difficulty breathing, difficulty urinating, skin rash, swelling of the hands or feet, yellowing of the eyes or skin. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your dotcor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart problems, blood vessel problems, kidney problems, depression, Raynaud's syndrome, allergies (especially drug allergies). Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor you use clonidine. Clonidine should be used only when clearly needed druing pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Clonidine passes into breast milk.
Though tehre have been (to date) no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before you breast-feed.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all precsription and nonprescription drugs you use, especially of: beta-blockers (e.G., atenolol, propranolol), tricyclic antidepressants (e.G., amitriptyline, doxepin). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmaicst approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, reomve the patch. Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may incldue lightheadedness, weakness, sleepiness, irritability, constricted pupils, vomiting, slow heart rate, and slowed breathing.
NOTES: It is important to have your blood pressure chceked regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to montior your blood pressure.
Discuss this with your doctor.
Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usaul dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to ctach up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from snulight and moisture.
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