clonidine-hcl-er

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Apr 24, 2023

Pros & Cons


Clonidine (Catapres) Pros and Cons

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  • Clonidine can be used alone or with other medications to control blood pressure.
  • The immediate-release tablet and transdermal patch are available as lower-cost generic versions.
  • You only need to apply a clonidine patch once a week.

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  • Stopping clonidine too suddenly can lead to a dangerous increase in blood pressure and other withdrawal effects.
  • Clonidine can cause orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure) when arising from a sitting or standing position. It can also cause dizziness and drowsiness, especially if you drink alcohol.
  • This medicine may not be the best choice for older adults (age 65 years and older).