Clonidine – Transdermal, Catapres-TTS

Medication Uses How To Use Side Effects Precautions Drug Interactions Overdose Notes Missed Dose Storage USES: This medication is used alone or with other medications to treat hypertension. It helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Clonidine belongs to a class of drugs (central alpha agonists) that lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug not listed in the professional labeling, but that may be prescribed by your healthcare professional. Use it only if prescribed.This drug may also be used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), menopausal hot flashes, narcotic drug withdrawal symptoms, and smoking cessation. HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available before starting clonidine and with each refill. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Peel off the backing from the patch and apply it to clean, dry, hairless skin on the upper arm or chest. Press the patch firmly for 10 seconds to ensure it stays on. Do not apply to oily, broken, or irritated skin. Avoid areas that can rub off the patch. Use as directed by your doctor. The patch is worn for 1 week and then replaced. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. Wash hands after handling the patch.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response. When replacing the patch, apply it to a different area. Fold and throw the old patch away in the trash, out of reach of children and pets. Do not flush it.If the patch starts to loosen, apply the adhesive cover to prevent it from falling off during the 1-week period. The adhesive cover does not contain medication. If the patch falls off or there is mild redness/itching/irritation at the application site, discard it and apply a new patch to a different area.Use this medication regularly for the most benefit. To help you remember, change the patch on the same day each week. Mark your calendar as a reminder. Continue using it even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor. You may experience symptoms such as nervousness, agitation, shaking, and headache. Stopping the medication suddenly can cause a rapid rise in blood pressure, especially if used long-term or in high doses, or if you are also taking a beta blocker like atenolol. There have also been rare reports of severe, possibly fatal reactions like stroke from abrupt drug discontinuation. Therefore, do not run out of clonidine patches or miss any doses. Your doctor may gradually reduce your dose to prevent reactions when stopping treatment. Consult your doctor for more details. Report any new or worsening symptoms immediately.When used long-term, this medication may require different dosing or an additional medication if it stops working well (e.g., blood pressure readings remain high or increase).

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, dry mouth, unusual tiredness, headache, or mild redness/itching/irritation at the application site may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, rise slowly from a sitting or lying position.To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including fainting, slow/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes like irritability or depression.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. Get medical help right away 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, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. PRECAUTIONS: Before using clonidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of kidney disease and heart rhythm problems like slow/irregular heartbeat or second- or third-degree atrioventricular block.This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcohol.Before surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use, including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products.If you are going to have an MRI test or cardioversion, tell healthcare personnel that you are using this patch. Some patches may contain metals that can cause serious burns during an MRI or cardioversion. Ask your doctor whether you need to remove the patch before the procedure and how to do so properly.Contact lens wearers may need to use wetting eye drops as this medication can cause dry eyes.Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this product, especially dizziness or drowsiness which increases the risk of falling.During pregnancy, use this medication only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

QUESTION

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take other products that cause drowsiness such as alcohol, antihistamines, sleep or anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, or narcotic pain relievers.Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen) as they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness or increase blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist for more details. OVERDOSE: This medication patch may be harmful if chewed or swallowed. If overdose or swallowing is suspected, remove the patch if possible, and contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include severe dizziness/drowsiness, fainting, slow/irregular heartbeat, slow/shallow breathing, or seizures. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction, exercise, and dietary changes can increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you. Check your blood pressure and heart rate regularly while using this medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure and heart rate at home, and share the results with your doctor. MISSED DOSE: Replace a patch as soon as you remember if you forget at the scheduled time. Call your doctor right away if you are late replacing a patch by 3 or more days. STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed (see also How to Use section). Information last revised November 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. It does not cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.