DURACLON

Drug Name: DURACLON

DURACLON DESCRIPTION:
CLONIDINE - INJECTION (KLAHN-eh-deen)

COMMON DURACLON BRAND NAME(S):
Duraclon

DURACLON SIDE EFFECTS:
Dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, constipation, drowsiness, itching, or dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: increased pain, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, nervousness, headache, mental/mood changes, fever, redness or swelling at injection site, ringing in the ears. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: trouble breathing, chest pain. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE DURACLON:
DURACLON: DURACLON is an injection solution given continuously into a specific part of your spinal column (epidural space). The dosage will be adjusted depending on your condition and response to the medication. Consult your pharmacist for details on proper preparation and use of DURACLON. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Use DURACLON exactly as prescribed. Do not stop using DURACLON without your doctor's approval. If DURACLON is stopped suddenly, you may experience serious side effects (e.g., high blood pressure, stroke).

DURACLON WARNING:
DURACLON is not recommended for treating labor/birth pain or pain during surgery because of the risks of low blood pressure (hypotension) and unusually slows heartbeat (bradycardia). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

DURACLON USES:
Clonidine is used with other medications (opiates) to help control severe pain. It is most effective in relieving sharp, burning, or shooting pain.

DURACLON PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart problems (e.g., bradycardia, heart failure); blood pressure problems (e.g., hypertension, hypotension); depression, kidney disease, any allergies you may have. DURACLON is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: infection at the injection site or bleeding problems. DURACLON may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages as they may aggravate side effects of DURACLON (e.g., dizziness, drowsiness). To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Caution is advised when using DURACLON in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. DURACLON should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. DURACLON passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using DURACLON is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DURACLON DRUG INTERACTIONS:
DURACLON is not recommended for use with "blood thinners" (e.g., heparin, warfarin). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially: beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, metoprolol), calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil), psychiatric drugs (e.g., chlorpromazine, fluphenazine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine, nortriptyline), digoxin, cyclosporine, other epidural medications (e.g., lidocaine). Also, report any drugs causing drowsiness, such as: medicine for sleep; sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g. , diazepam); narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine, morphine); anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine, phenobarbital); muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

DURACLON OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe dizziness, headache, slow heartbeat, trouble breathing, decreased body temperature, irritability, or vision problems (miosis).

DURACLON NOTES:
Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., vital signs) will be performed to monitor your response to therapy.

MISSED DURACLON DOSE:
If your dose is interrupted, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish new dosing.

DURACLON STORAGE:
Store at room temperature at about 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.