CATAPRES-TTS 3

Drug Name: CATAPRES-TTS 3

CATAPRES-TTS 3 DESCRIPTION:
CLONIDINE - TRANSDERMAL (KLAHN-eh-deen)

COMMON CATAPRES-TTS 3 BRAND NAME(S):
Catapres-TTS

CATAPRES-TTS 3 SIDE EFFECTS:
Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, constipation, loss of appetite, fatigue, nasal congestion and dry eyes may occur during first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Also limit your intake of alcoholic beverages and avoid overheating which will aggravate these effects. Inform your doctor if you develop chest pain, difficulty breathing, difficulty urinating, skin rash, swelling of the hands or feet, or yellowing of the eyes or skin while taking this medication. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE CATAPRES-TTS 3:
CATAPRES-TTS 3: 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. Apply a new patch before removing the old one. Be sure to remove the hard plastic backing on the patch before using. If the medicated patch loosens, apply the large non-medicated adhesive patch over the medicated patch to help it stick. It is important to continue taking CATAPRES-TTS 3 even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not stop using CATAPRES-TTS 3 without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

CATAPRES-TTS 3 USES:
Clonidine relaxes and expands (dilates) blood vessels resulting in lowered blood pressure. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

OTHER USES OF CATAPRES-TTS 3:
CATAPRES-TTS 3 may also be used to ease withdrawal symptoms associated 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. CATAPRES-TTS 3 may also be used for other purposes as determined by your doctor.

CATAPRES-TTS 3 PRECAUTIONS:
Before you take clonidine, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially nonprescription cough-and-cold products. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding or think that you may be pregnant, tell your doctor before taking clonidine. Tell your doctor if you have heart or circulatory problems or suffer from depression. Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor about your blood pressure medications. Do not apply patch to broken or irritated skin.

CATAPRES-TTS 3 DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, propranolol), and medication used for depression (e.g., amitriptyline, doxepin). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

CATAPRES-TTS 3 OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, remove the patch. Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include lightheadedness, weakness, sleepiness, irritability, constricted pupils, vomiting, slow heart rate, and slowed breathing.

CATAPRES-TTS 3 NOTES:
It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking CATAPRES-TTS 3. Learn how to monitor your blood pressure. Discuss this with your doctor. Do not allow anyone else to take CATAPRES-TTS 3.

MISSED CATAPRES-TTS 3 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 usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

CATAPRES-TTS 3 STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.