CLONIDINE HCL

Drug Name: CLONIDINE HCL

CLONIDINE HCL DESCRIPTION:
CLONIDINE - ORAL (KLAHN-eh-deen)

COMMON CLONIDINE HCL BRAND NAME(S):
Catapres

CLONIDINE HCL SIDE EFFECTS:
Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, constipation, loss of appetite, fatigue, nasal congestion and dry eyes may occur the 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. Inform your doctor if you develop: chest pain, difficulty breathing, difficulty urinating, skin rash, swelling of the hands or feet, yellowing of the eyes or skin. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE CLONIDINE HCL:
CLONIDINE HCL: Take CLONIDINE HCL exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time(s) each day. Do not stop taking CLONIDINE HCL without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Tablets may be taken with food or milk to avoid stomach irritation. It is important to continue taking CLONIDINE HCL even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

CLONIDINE HCL USES:
Clonidine relaxes and expands (dilates) blood vessels. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

OTHER USES OF CLONIDINE HCL:
CLONIDINE HCL 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, migraine headaches, stomach pain with rectal bleeding (ulcerative colitis), or hot flashes associated with menopause. CLONIDINE HCL may also be used for other purposes as determined by your doctor.

CLONIDINE HCL PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions, especially: heart or circulatory problems, depression. Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor about your blood pressure medications. Limit intake of alcohol. Clonidine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. CLONIDINE HCL is excreted into breast milk. Though, to date, no problems been found in nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

CLONIDINE HCL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: cough-and-cold products, beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, timolol), drugs used for depression (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

CLONIDINE HCL OVERDOSE:
Accidental overdose of clonidine is an increasing cause of poisoning in children 3 and under. If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include slowed heartbeat, weakness, sleepiness, vomiting, and constricted pupils.

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

MISSED CLONIDINE HCL DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take 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.

CLONIDINE HCL STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.