Home Blood Pressure Medications About Clonidine (Catapres): A Patient’s Guide

About Clonidine (Catapres): A Patient’s Guide

by Alli Hill
doctor taking blood pressure on a young woman

Highlights

  • Clonidine is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure.
  • Catapres is a common brand name for clonidine.
  • Clonidine is available as a tablet or patch.
  • Taking clonidine is generally safe for most individuals, but patients who are age 65 or older, those who have had kidney disease or a recent heart attack, and pregnant or nursing women should proceed with caution.
  • Clonidine may interact with other drugs, including beta-blockers, sedatives, and some antidepressants.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects nearly half of all American adults. The risk of high blood pressure increases as you age, with this condition affecting nearly three in four individuals age 65 or older. Diet and lifestyle changes can help to lower blood pressure naturally, but when these methods aren’t enough, your doctor may recommend a medication like clonidine.

Clonidine is a prescription medicine used to help lower blood pressure. This medication is often used alongside other prescriptions to improve heart health. If your doctor has recommended clonidine, it’s essential to know its uses, potential risks, side effects, and other specifics.

Let’s explore these and other details so you can make an informed decision about your health.

What Is Clonidine and What Is It Used For?

bottle of clonidine

Clonidine is a blood pressure medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as centrally acting alpha-agonist hypotensive agents, or antihypertensives. These drugs work by relaxing the blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow through the body.

Clonidine is available only as a prescription in the following forms:

  • Oral tablets (Catapres)
  • Transdermal patch (Catapres-TTS)
  • Extended-release tablets (Kapvay)

FDA-Approved Uses

  • Treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure): Clonidine is FDA-approved for the treatment of hypertension in adults as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.
  • Treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): The extended-release formulation of clonidine (Kapvay) is FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents, as monotherapy or as adjunctive therapy to stimulant medications.

Off-Label Uses

Clonidine is prescribed off-label by healthcare providers for various conditions. The term “off-label” means that the FDA has not approved this medication for these uses, and the strength of evidence supporting them varies.

Off–label uses for clonidine include:

  1. Tourette’s syndrome: Clonidine may help reduce tics associated with Tourette’s syndrome.
  2. Menopausal hot flashes: Clonidine may provide relief from hot flashes in menopausal women who cannot take hormone replacement therapy.
  3. Opioid, alcohol, and nicotine withdrawal: Clonidine can help manage withdrawal symptoms associated with discontinuing opioids, alcohol, or nicotine, but it does not reduce cravings.
  4. Restless legs syndrome: Clonidine may be effective for a short time in treating restless legs syndrome not caused by other conditions or medications.
  5. Insomnia in children with ADHD: Although commonly prescribed, clonidine is not recommended as a first-line treatment for insomnia in children with ADHD due to limited evidence of efficacy and potential side effects.
  6. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): There is limited evidence supporting the use of clonidine for PTSD, and it is not considered a first-line treatment.

Clonidine has been tried for other conditions, like severe menstrual cramps and psychogenic polydipsia (excessive thirst), but there is insufficient evidence to support its use for these indications.

It is important to note that the use of clonidine for any off-label indication should be carefully considered by healthcare providers, weighing the potential benefits against the risks and side effects.

How Does Clonidine Work?

Clonidine helps improve blood pressure by targeting alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain. By binding to these receptors, the medication prevents the brain from releasing norepinephrine, a chemical that triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response.

As a result, the body’s nervous system relaxes, allowing the blood vessels to dilate and relax, too. This can also decrease the heart rate and reduce feelings of nervousness or anxiety.

Clonidine Dosage and Administration

Clonidine comes in different forms, including:

The oral version of this medication is typically taken twice per day. Initial doses may start low, then gradually increase at weekly intervals to achieve the desired effect.

The patch delivers a constant dose of clonidine and is generally replaced every seven days.

How Should I Take Clonidine?

are you taking clonidine - question in a survey

Based on your dosage requirements, you may take this medication once, twice, or three times per day. Take each dose at evenly spaced intervals. Follow all of your doctor’s instructions.

Do not crush, chew, or split clonidine tablets.

If you are using clonidine patches, it’s best to place the patch on a hairless area for less painful removal.

Do not stop taking this medication without speaking to your doctor. Suddenly stopping this medicine could increase the risk of side effects, including a rapid rise in blood pressure.

What Are the Potential Side Effects of Clonidine (Catapres)?

Like all medications, clonidine carries a risk of side effects, though they’re generally mild and tend to lessen the longer you take this medication.

Common side effects include but are not limited to:

  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Weakness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Leg cramps
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Weight gain

Less common but more serious side effects include:

  • Fever
  • Bradycardia
  • Anxiety
  • Delusions
  • Nervousness
  • Abdominal pain
  • Insomnia
  • Blurred vision
  • Decreased sexual activity

No list of side effects is complete. Discuss any unusual effects or concerns with your provider or pharmacist.

What Should I Avoid When Taking Clonidine?

doctor talking with patient about precautions with clonidine

There are certain foods and activities you should avoid when taking clonidine. These include but are not limited to:

  • Alcohol. Drinking alcohol while taking clonidine may increase feelings of dizziness or drowsiness.
  • Other central nervous system depressants. Opiates, benzodiazepines, and some antihistamines may increase sedative effects.
  • Heat exposure. Clonidine can decrease your ability to sweat, which can lead to overheating.
  • Driving. Learn how clonidine may affect you before you drive or operate machinery.
  • Smoking. Smoking can decrease the effectiveness of clonidine.
  • Grapefruit. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may affect how clonidine is metabolized, which may increase the risk of side effects.

Your doctor may have additional recommendations when taking clonidine.

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Clonidine?

If you miss a dose of clonidine, take the missed dose as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose.

Never double up on doses to make up for a missed dose.

What Should I Do If I Overdose on Clonidine?

If you suspect you have overdosed on clonidine, call the national poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222.

If you believe an individual has overdosed on this medication and is unconscious, struggling to breathe, having a seizure, or cannot be awakened, call 911.

What Precautions Should I Take With Clonidine?

Before taking clonidine, follow these precautions to reduce your risk of side effects or adverse reactions.

  • Notify your doctor of potential allergic reactions to clonidine or its components. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of ingredients.
  • Discuss all of your current prescription medications and supplements. Mention specifically antidepressants, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, digoxin, anxiety medications, sedatives, tricyclic antidepressants, and vitamins.
  • Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking clonidine, contact your doctor.
  • Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of using clonidine if you are 65 years of age or older. Older adults should generally not use clonidine due to safety concerns compared to other available medications.
  • Inform your doctor of upcoming surgeries and procedures. This includes dental surgeries or any procedures that may require anesthesia.

Follow all of your doctor’s recommendations and notify them of any changes to your medications or supplements.

Contraindications

Some people should not take clonidine. Others should use it with caution under close medical supervision.

Keep in mind that these lists are general guidelines. In special cases, doctors may feel the benefits of taking a particular medication outweigh the risks, so if you are in one of these groups, talk to your doctor about your personal situation.

Who Should Not Take Clonidine?

  • Individuals with known hypersensitivity to clonidine or its ingredients

Who Should Take Clonidine With Caution?

  • Women who are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant
  • Breastfeeding women
  • Patients with a history of kidney disease or recent heart attack

Are There Any Other Potential Drug Interactions With Clonidine (Catapres)?

According to Drugs.com, a significant number of drugs and supplements can interact with this medication.

The most important potential interactions to be aware of include:

  • Beta-blockers (such as metoprolol). Taking clonidine with metoprolol could slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. This may also lead to dizziness, headaches, or weakness.
  • MAOIs (such as isocarboxazid). Combining clonidine with monoamine oxidase inhibitors could increase side effects.
  • Certain antidepressants (such as nortriptyline). This combination could increase side effects such as heart palpitations, sweating, dizziness, stiff neck, nausea, or vomiting.

For the full list of known interactions, visit the Drugs.com Drug Interactions Checker.  However, no list of potential drug interactions is complete, so let your provider know if you experience any new or unusual symptoms after taking this medication.

About Clonidine: Get Help with High Blood Pressure

young healthy woman

Clonidine is generally safe for the long-term treatment of high blood pressure. With multiple formulas and dose strengths, your healthcare provider can find the ideal balance to make a positive impact on your condition.

However, no medication is without side effects or risks. While the side effects are generally mild and tend to diminish over time, certain individuals need to proceed with caution. Those over the age of 65, pregnant or nursing mothers, or patients with a history of kidney disease, current alcohol use, or a recent heart attack should weigh the benefits of this medication against potential effects and explore other potential treatment options.

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This information is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication.

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