Active ingredients: Clonidine

Non active: colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch, dibasic calcium phosphate, FD&C Yellow No. 6, gelatin, glycerin, lactose, and magnesium stearate. The Catapres 0.1 mg tablet also contains FD&C Blue No.1 and FD&C Red No.3.

 

Indications

Catapres is indicated in the treatment of hypertension.

 

How It Works

It stimulates alpha 2 receptors in the brain, which leads to decreased cardiac output and peripheral cardiac resistance, lowering blood pressure.

 

Dosage

Initial dosage

0.1 mg tablet twice daily (morning and bedtime). Elderly patients may benefit from a lower initial dose.

Maintenance dosage

Further increments of 0.1 mg per day may be made at weekly intervals if necessary.

Dosage must be adjusted for patients with renal impairment.

 

Precautions

Catapres is contraindicated in patients with severe coronary insufficiency, conduction disturbances, recent myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular disease or chronic renal function. Patients who are allergic to Catapres, clonidine should not use the drug. Patients who are sensative to Clonidine might develop skin rashes. If you are pregnant or nursing consult your doctor before taking Catapres.

 

Do not discontinue use without first consulting your physician. Sudden cessation in the treatment may cause: nervousness, agitation, headache, rise in blood pressure tremors and elevated catecholamine concentrations in the plasma. Withdrawl should be gradual and take at least a 2 to 4 day period.

 

Excessive rise in blood pressure that is caused by discontinuation of Catapres can be counteracted by taking oral Clonidine hydrochloride or by intravenous Phentolamine. If therapy is to be discontinued in patients receiving a beta-blocker and Clonidine concurrently, the beta-blocker should be withdrawn first followed by Clonidine.

 

Treatment of Clonidine should stopped before surgery, it should not be used for at least 4 hours before surgery, it can be continued after the surgery with your doctor’s permission. Blood pressure must be monitored throughout surgery.

 

Drug Interactions

Clonidine may increase central nervous system depressive effects of alcohol. People on other heart medication that are known to affect sinus node function or AV nodal conduction, like digitalis, calcium channel blockers, and beta-blockers should consult their doctor. Sinus bradycardia resulting in hospitalization and pacemaker insertion has been reported in association with the use of Clonidine concomitantly with diltiazem or verapamil. Amitriptyline may react with Clonidine consult your doctor.

 

If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, speak to your physician as Clonidine may be harmful to unborn babies. Saftey of Clonidine in children has not been established.

 

Adverse/Side Effects

Common side effects include: dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, dry mouth, or constipation which may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

 

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects: fast or pounding heartbeats, a very slow heart rate, shortness of breath, even with mild exertion, swelling, rapid weight gain, confusion, hallucinations, fever, pale skin, urinating less than usual or not at all, feeling faint. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

 

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

 

Overdose

In case of overdose please contact your local emergency or poison control center. Large overdoses may result in reversible cardiac conduction defects or dysrhythmias, apnea, coma and seizures. Signs and symptoms of overdose generally occur within 30 minutes to two hours after exposure. As little as 0.1 mg of clonidine has produced signs of toxicity in children. Induced vomitting is not recommended for Clonidine overdose. Administration of activated charcoal  or a cathartic may be beneficial. Tolazoline administration has yielded inconsistent results and is not recommended as first-line therapy. Dialysis is not likely to significantly enhance the elimination of clonidine.

 

Storage Instructions

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°- 30°C (59°- 86°F) Store in a dry place away from sunlight, keep out of the reach of children or pets.

 

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