Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) may be described as a centrally acting, alpha – agonist. This medication may also be classified as an anti – hypertensive medication.
Furthermore, Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) may also be described as an imidazoline derivative, which is known to exist as a mesomeric compound.
Lastly, Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) may also be described as an odorless, bitter, white, crystalline substance which is soluble in water and alcohol.
Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) is used to help effectively treat and keep hypertension (high blood pressure) under control. This medication may be administered either alone or in combination with other medications prescribed by your health care professional.
Furthermore, you must also keep in mind that considering hypertension (high blood pressure) subsides at a gradual rate, it may take a number of weeks before you receive the complete benefits of Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride).
Lastly, not only has Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) also been prescribed by health care professionals to help effectively withdraw the effects of Benzodiazepine (a tranquilizer) but, effectively treat diabetic diarrhea, migraine headaches, Tourette`s Syndrome (tics and uncontrollable utterances), narcotic or methadone detoxification and premenstrual agitation as well.
Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) is available in tablet form and in different strengths of 0.1 mg, 0.2 mg and 0.3 mg respectively and which must be taken by mouth, with or without food. This medication is usually taken twice daily, in the morning and at bedtime or as directed by your health care professional. The most common ideal and effective doses of Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) in the case of adults range from 0.2 mg to 0.6 mg per day, which after consulting your health care professional can be divided into smaller doses. However, one’s health care professional will adjust the dose according to one’s individual response to Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride).
Also, you must be sure to follow the directions on the prescription label carefully and ask your health care professional or pharmacist to explain any part of Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) you do not understand. You must also be sure to take this medication exactly as directed and refrain from taking a greater or lesser quantity of this medication or altogether taking this medication more or less often than prescribed by your health care professional. Be sure that you do not suddenly discontinue Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) without prior confirmation from your health care professional. However, you must also be certain to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your health care professional and only after you have received consent. You must consult and reconfirm with your health care professional prior to commencing a course of Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride), since you must be certain of taking the right potency prescribed by your health care professional in the case of this particular medication. You must be certain to contact your health care professional pertaining to the use of this medication in the case of children who are below 18 years of age.
While on an ongoing course of Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) if you notice any of the symptoms listed below or any other symptoms which may seem severe or persistent, you must contact your health care professional.
Sometimes, Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) may cause the patient to experience swellings on the feet, legs, face, lips or tongue, fatigue, mild palpitations, a dry mouth, nervousness, impotence, weakness, anxiety and skin rashes.
Furthermore, Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) may cause the patient to experience nausea, an itching sensation, a sedated – like composure or exceptionally calm composure, hives, dizziness, constipation, vomiting and drowsiness.
If you are on an ongoing course of Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) before you commence taking any new medication (either prescription or OTC), you must first consult your health care professional or pharmacist.
Furthermore, you must be sure to inform your health care professional if you are allergic to Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) or any other medication in any other form. Your health care professional must also be informed if you are taking any other medication in any other form, including nutritional supplements or herbal products whilst on an ongoing course of this medication.
Sometimes, Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) interacts with various medications, such as Metoprolol, Digoxin, Atenolol, Diltiazem, Cyclobenzaprine, Digitoxin, Furazolidone, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid and Moclobemide.
Furthermore, Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) interacts with various medications, such as Phenelzine, Amitriptyline, Procarbazine, Rasagiline, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine, Diphenhydramine, Carbamazepine, Alprazolam and Diazepam.
Lastly, Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) interacts with various medications, such as Zolpidem, Phenobarbital, Codeine, Chlorpromazine, Risperidone, Trazodone, Desipramine, medications to treat mental depression or high blood pressure and barbiturate medications to induce sleep or treat seizures
In case of an overdose of Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) tablets, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Furthermore, an overdose of Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) may cause one to experience fast, slow or irregular heartbeats, slow or shallow breathing, fainting spells, weakness or slowed reflexes.
Your health care professional may order certain laboratory and/or medical tests to be performed, such as blood pressure levels, smooth functioning of the kidneys, blood electrolyte levels and blood cholesterol levels to check your response to Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride), monitor your progress and check for side effects. You must be sure to keep all appointments with your health care professional and the laboratory. Do not let anyone else take your prescribed dosage of Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) and ask your health care professional or pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Furthermore, if you need to undergo any kind of surgery including dental surgery or you conceive whilst on a course of Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) inform your health care professional. You must be sure to inform your health care professional if you are pregnant, breast feeding or planning to conceive. Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) does pass into breast milk.
Lastly, avoid consuming alcohol and beverages containing even a small percentage of alcohol whilst on an ongoing course of Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride). It is important that you do not discontinue this medication without first consulting your health care professional. While on an ongoing course of Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride), you must also refrain from driving a car or operating any kind of machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
It is important that you do not take a double dose of Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) to make up for a missed one unless you have consulted your health care professional.
Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) is also used to effectively treat painful menstrual periods and hot flashes that occur during menopause.
Furthermore, Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) is also used to effectively treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and withdrawal symptoms from dependence on narcotics, alcohol or nicotine (smoking).
Lastly, you must speak with your health care professional about the possible risks of using Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) for your condition and be sure to consult your health care professional or pharmacist for more information, since this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses.
Store Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) in the container it came in, keep the lid tightly closed and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature (between 59 – 86 degrees F or 15 – 30 degrees C) and away from excess heat and moisture.
Furthermore, you must be sure to throw away any Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) medication that has gotten outdated or is no longer required. But, speak with your pharmacist or health care professional or consult your local waste disposal company about the proper method by which you can safely and effectively discard your unused Casodex (Bicalutamide) medication.
It is important for the patient to know that before consuming Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride); they must inform their health care professional, if they have ever had a history of or are currently suffering from kidney complications or heart complications, such as severe coronary artery disease, irregular heart rhythm or even a recent heart attack.
Furthermore, it is also important for the patient to know that before consuming Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride); they must inform their health care professional, if they have ever had a history of or are currently suffering from complications within the blood vessels of the brain, depression, or blood circulation disorders, such as Raynaud`s disease or a stroke.
Lastly, if you are taking Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride) combined with any other beta blocker medication and your health care professional wants to discontinue this particular medication, the beta blocker medication must be discontinued several days prior to the gradual discontinuation of Catapres (Clonidine hydrochloride).