What is Catapress/Clonidine Hcl used for?

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

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Catapress/Clonidine Hcl be stored?

Store at 77 degrees F. Keep in a tight, light-resistant container.

General drug information:

When should Catapress/Clonidine Hcl not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine

What precautions should I follow when taking Catapress/Clonidine Hcl?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any other prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have severe heart problems if you have recently had a heart attack if you have recently had a stroke if you have kidney failure if you have any other medical condition

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Catapress/Clonidine Hcl?

Do not stop this medicine suddenly. Fatal reactions like disruption of brain functions, stroke, fluid in the lungs, and death have been reported.

What are the side effects of Catapress/Clonidine Hcl?

Most severe:  Allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); pounding in the chest; changes in heartbeat; hallucinations; delirium; hepatitis.

Most common:  Dry mouth; drowsiness; dizziness; weakness; headache; nervousness; agitation; nausea; vomiting; decreased sexual activity; impotence; loss of sex drive.

Other:  Pale skin; increased sensitivity to alcohol; depression; sleeplessness; changes in behavior; vivid dreamspernightmares; restlessness; anxiety; loss of appetite; general body discomfort; constipation; stomach pain; frequent urination at night; urinary retention; difficulty urinating; weight gain; swelling of the breast; muscle or joint pain; leg cramps; dryness of the nose; dry eyes; burning of the eyes; blurred vision. Nervousness, agitation, headache, tremor, and rapid increase in blood pressure may occur if you suddenly stop using this medicine. Withdrawal should be gradual. Contact your health care provider if therapy is stopped for any reason.

How should I take Catapress/Clonidine Hcl?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount andperor frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Carefully read the information provided with this medicine and reread it each time you get this prescription refilled. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. This medicine is usually taken twice daily (morning and bedtime). Patients being treated for high blood pressure often feel tired or rundown for a few weeks after beginning therapy. Continue taking your medication even though you may not feel quite "normal". Contact your doctor or pharmacist about any new symptoms. Children may experience stomach problems that cause vomiting. Your child should be monitored for increased blood pressure if vomiting prevents himperher from taking this medicine. This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other medicines that cause drowsiness (eg, sedatives, tranquilizers) while taking this medicine. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their doctor before taking this medicine. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor. Contact your health care provider at once if you feel you have taken too much of this medicine. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your doctor. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.