What is Catapres: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Catapres

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

• Clonidine extended-release tablets work differently than clonidine immediate-release tablets. Do not switch from the extended-release tablets to the immediate-release tablets unless your doctor tells you to.

• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Shake the bottle well before each use.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If you miss more than 1 dose of clonidine tablets, check with your doctor right away.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Shake the bottle well before each use.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If you miss more than 1 dose of clonidine tablets, check with your doctor right away.

• Clonidine extended-release tablets work differently than clonidine immediate-release tablets. Do not switch from the extended-release tablets to the immediate-release tablets unless your doctor tells you to.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

What to do if you miss a dose of Catapres

Catapres contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to clonidine.

Catapres warnings

• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

• Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor first. This medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in the normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have kidney disease, heart or blood vessel disease, heart rhythm problems, stomach or bowel problems, or a history of heart attack or stroke.

• This medicine may make you drowsy, dizzy, or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• This medicine may cause dryness of the eyes. Talk to your doctor about how to treat the dryness.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Catapres interactions

• Do not use this medicine together with other products that contain clonidine.

• Some medicines can affect how clonidine works. Tell your doctor if you are taking depression medicine.

• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

• Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor first. This medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in the normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.