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Clonidine Information – Uses and Benefits – How Does it Works?

30 May 2007

Written by: steve Posted under Antihyperlipidemics

Clonidine Information – Drug Interactions, Uses and Benefits

Type of Drug:

Antihypertensive; blood pressure-lowering agent.

How the Clonidine Product Works:

Clonidine lowers blood pressure primarily by relaxing and dilating (widening) blood vessels.

Uses of the Clonidine :

Tablets and patches: To treat high blood pressure. Used either alone or in combination with other blood pressure-lowering drugs.

Injection: Used in combination with narcotic pain relievers for the treatment of severe pain in cancer patients.

Unlabeled Uses: Occasionally, doctors may prescribe clonidine for atrial fibrillation, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, kidney damage from cyclosporine, excessive sweating, mania, restless legs syndrome, psychosis, alcohol withdrawal, growth delay in children, diabetic diarrhea, Tourette syndrome, hypertensive “urgencies,” menopausal flushing, methadone/opiate detoxification, postherpetic neuralgia, reduction of inflammatory reactions in patients with asthma, smoking cessation, ulcerative colitis, and diagnosing pheochromocytoma.

Precautions:

Do not use in the following situations: Allergy to clonidine or any of its ingredients, including adhesive on patch.

Withdrawal reaction: Stopping clonidine suddenly can sometimes cause a sudden, intense increase in blood pressure. Symptoms may include nervousness, agitation, headache, and tremors. Do not stop taking clonidine without consulting your doctor.

Pregnancy: There are no adequate or well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: Clonidine appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in children younger than 12 years of age have not been established.

Lab Tests: Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Tests include eye examinations and blood pressure monitoring.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any overÂthe-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with this drug. Drug doses may need to be modified or a different drug preÂscribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with this drug:

Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital)
Beta blockers (eg, propranolol)
Calcium channel blockers (eg, verapamil)
Digitalis (eg, digoxin)
Levodopa (eg, Dopar)
Prazosin (eg, Minipress)
Sedative drugs (eg, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, antihistamines)
Tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Patches only: Redness; itching; blisters; skin discoloration; swelling; sores; burning; pain; bruising; pale skin; throbbing; skin inflammation at application site.

Digestive Tract: Constipation; nausea; vomiting; decreased appetite; weight gain; dry mouth or throat.

Nervous System: Drowsiness; depression; headache; nervousness; sedation; dizziness; agitation; fatigue; sleeplessness; confusion.

Other: Impotence; loss of sex drive; general body discomfort; excessive urination at night; dizziness or unsteadiness after rising from a lying or sitting potions (orthostatic hypotension); low blood pressure; weakness; slow heartbeat.

Guidelines for Uses:

Take this medication exactly as directed, have your blood pressure checked regularly, and keep your appointments with your doctor even if you feel well. Most patients with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
If dry mouth occurs, take frequent sips of water, suck on ice chips or sugarless hard candy, or chew sugarless gum.
Patients being treated for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after beginning therapy. Continue taking your medication even though you may not feel quite normal. Contact your doctor or pharmacist about any new symptoms.
This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity until tolerance is determined.
Avoid alcohol and other mental depressants (eg, tranquilizers) while you are taking this medicine. They may cause excessive drowsiness.
Tablets- Usually taken in 2 divided doses (morning and bedtime). If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless instructed by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. If your doctor discontinues this drug, the dose must be gradually reduced over at least 2 to 4 days in order to avoid a rapid increase in blood pressure, nervousness, agitation, or headache. Store tablets below 86Â°F. Keep container closed and protect from light.
Patches- Patient instructions are included with each box of patches. Apply to a hairless area on the upper-outer arm or chest once every 7 days. Do not apply over any abnormal or,damaged skin. Do not shave skin before applying.
Use a different skin site from the previous application. If the patch loosens during the 7-day wearing, apply the white adhesive overlay directly over the patch to ensure good adhesion. Tell your doctor if an allergic reaction or skin irritation extends beyond the local patch area. It may take 2 to 3 days after the first patch application before blood pressure is reduced. Doctors will occasionally have patients wear more than 1 patch at a time to adjust the dose. Apply patches at different locations. If mild skin irritation occurs during the 7-day wearing, remove and discard the patch and apply a new patch in another area. Usual exposure to water (eg, showering, bathing, swimming) should not affect the patch. After removal, fold used patch in half with sticky sides together and dispose of carefully. Store patches below 86Â°F. Do not open pouch until ready to apply.

Injection-Frequently inspect infusion pump and catheter. Notify your doctor immediately if pump stops running or catheter becomes plugged or comes loose. Carefully follow catheter care and pump instructions provided by your doctor.