How To Use Clonidine (Catapres)

Clonidine comes in the form of an immediate-release and extended-release tablet. The immediate-release tablet should be taken twice a day, morning and evening. Clonidine extended-release tablets are taken 1-2 times a day. You can take oral clonidine with or without food. Try to take the medicine at approximately the same time every day. 

Apply the patch to clean, dry, hairless skin on your upper arm or upper chest once every 7 days. Do not apply the patch to broken, cut, scraped, or recently shaved skin. You can bathe, shower, and swim with the patch on. If the patch becomes loose, apply the adhesive cover that is included with the patch. If it cannot be re-applied, use a new patch in a different area and replace it on the originally scheduled change date.

Read the prescription label carefully and use clonidine exactly as advised. Do not take a higher or lower dose of the medicine or take it more or less frequently than your doctor tells you. 

Your doctor may start you on a low dose of clonidine and increase the dose gradually based on your response. It can take a few days for you to notice a change in your blood pressure readings after starting clonidine. This medicine will help to control blood pressure but will not cure your condition. Continue taking clonidine even if you feel well. Do not stop this medicine suddenly as it can lead to rebound hypertension (increase in blood pressure). Your doctor will tell you how to lower the dose over 2-7 days.

Missed dose: If you forget a dose of clonidine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Storage: Store clonidine at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in its original container, tightly closed. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Unused clonidine should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw clonidine in the trash or flush it down the toilet. Dispose of the patches by opening the packs and folding them in half with the sticky side pressed together. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded clonidine is through a drug take-back program. Learn more about proper medication disposal. 

NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on clonidine. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about clonidine, talk to your doctor for medical advice.

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