Clonidine (By mouth)
KLOE-ni-deen
Treats high blood pressure. Also treats ADHD.
Drug classes
Antihypertensive, Antimigraine, Cardiovascular Agent, Central Nervous System Agent, Diagnostic Agent, Pheochromocytoma (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Clonidine is used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk for heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if the blood pressure is controlled.
Clonidine belongs to the class of medicines called antihypertensives. It works in the brain to change some of the nerve impulses. As a result, the blood vessels relax and blood passes through them more easily, which lowers blood pressure. When the blood pressure is lowered, the amount of blood and oxygen going to the heart is increased.
This medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it does help control it. Therefore, you must continue to use it as directed if you expect to lower your blood pressure and keep it down. You might have to take high blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
Kapvay® extended-release tablets is used alone or together with other medicines to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by increasing attention and decreasing restlessness in children and adults who are overactive, cannot concentrate for very long, or are easily distracted and impulsive. This medicine is used as part of a total treatment program that also includes social, educational, and psychological treatment.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, clonidine is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:
Gilles de la Tourette’s syndrome (tic disorder).
Menopause or menstrual discomfort symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol, nicotine, or narcotic pain relievers.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Long Acting Suspension, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Clonidine extended-release tablets work differently than clonidine immediate-release tablets. Do not switch from the extended-release tablets to the immediate-release tablets unless your doctor tells you to.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Shake the bottle well before each use.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If you miss more than 1 dose of clonidine tablets, check with your doctor right away.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use this medicine together with other products that contain clonidine.
Some medicines can affect how clonidine works. Tell your doctor if you are taking depression medicine.
Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to clonidine.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have kidney disease, heart or blood vessel disease, heart rhythm problems, stomach or bowel problems, or a history of heart attack or stroke.
This medicine may make you drowsy, dizzy, or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
This medicine may cause dryness of the eyes. Talk to your doctor about how to treat the dryness.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.
Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor first. This medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in the normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Unusual tiredness or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Constipation, stomach pain
Dry eyes, mouth, or throat
New or worsening headache
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Catapres, Kapvay, Kapvay Dose Pack, Nexiclon XR
There may be other brand names for this medicine.