Clonidine Tablets

GENERIC NAME: CLONIDINE (KLOE-ni-deen)

COMMON USES: This medicine is an alpha agonist used to treat high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE: Some medicines or medical medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline or nortriptyline), beta blockers (such as atenolol or propranolol), calcium channel blockers (such as verapamil or diltiazem), or digoxin. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without your doctor of any other medical conditions, including kidney problems, heart problems, problems with the blood vessels in your heart or brain, the blood disease porphyria, or a history of stroke, recent heart attack, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Check with your doctor if you will be having surgery or if you have ever had a skin reaction to the patch form of this medicine. Contact your doctor or pharmacist concerns about taking this medicine.

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICINE: Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. IF YOU MISS 2 or more doses in a row, contact your doctor.

CAUTIONS: DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without checking with your doctor. Nervousness, agitation, confusion, tremor and headache may occur. These may be followed by a rapid, severe rise in blood pressure. You may be at a greater risk if you use high doses or if you also take a beta-blocker (e.g., propranolol). If you need to stop taking his medicine, follow your doctor's instructions for slowly decreasing your dose. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR if you develop an illness that includes vomiting or if you vomit soon after you take this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including blood pressure, be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or blurred vision. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes medicines that contain stimulants, such as decongestants and diet aids. IF YOU EXPERIENCE DRY MOUTH, use sugarless candy or gum, or melt bits of ice in your mouth. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine, especially dizziness. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: SIDE EFFECTS that may go away during treatment include dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, headache, constipation, nausea, or trouble sleeping. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. PATIENTS WHO USE CONTACT LENSES may notice dry eyes while using this medicine. If you experience eye dryness or irritation, talk with your doctor about ways to lessen this effect. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience decreased sexual desire or ability. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience blurred vision or other vision changes; chest pain; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; mental or mood changes (e.g., anxiety, agitation, depression, hallucinations); severe or persistent headache or dizziness; or swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; or unusual hoarseness. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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 coma, decreased body temperature (feeling very cold), difficult or slow breathing; irritability, pinpoint pupils, seizures, severe or persistent dizziness or drowsiness, slow or irregular heartbeat, or weakness.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

The information in this monograph is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This information is generalized and is not intended as specific medical advice. If you have questions about the medicines you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.