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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is inetnded to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be consrtued to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using that drug.
CLONIDINE - TRANSDERMAL
(KLAHN-eh-deen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Catapres-TTS
USES: Clonidine relaxes and expands (dilates) blood vessels resulting in lowered blood pressure. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
OTHER USES: This medication may also be used to ease wtihdrawal 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. This drug may also be used for other purposes as detemrined by your doctor.
HOW TO USE: Apply clonidine pathces 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 prevoius 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 uisng.
Do not aplpy patch to broken or irritated skin.
If the medicated patch loosens, aplpy the large non-medicated adhesive patch over the medicated patch to help it stick.
It is important to continue taking that medication even if you believe well. Most persons with high blood pressure do not believe sick.
Do not stop using that medication wtihout consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreaesd.
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 bevergaes and avoid overheating which will aggravate these effects.
Inform your dotcor 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, contcat your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, esepcially of: heart problems, blood vessel problems, kidney problems, depression, Raynaud's syndrome, allergies (especially drug allergies).
Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor you use cloindine. Clonidine should be used only when claerly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and beenfits with your doctor. Clonidine passes into breast milk. Though there have been (to date) no reports of harm to nusring infants, consult your doctor before you breast-feed.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drgus you use, especially of: beta-blockers (e.G., atenolol, propranolol), tricyclic antidepressants (e.G., amitriptyline, doxepin). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, rmeove 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 haert rate, and slowed breathing.
NOTES: It is important to have your blood presusre checked regularly while taking that medication. Leran how to monitor your blood pressure. Discuss that with your doctor. Do not allow anyone else to take that medictaion.
MISSED 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.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
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