Catapres (Clonidine) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Catapres

High Blood Pressure »

High blood pressure facts

High blood pressure (hypertension) is designated as either essential (primary) hypertension or secondary hypertension and is defined as a consistently elevated blood pressure exceeding 140/90 mm Hg.
High blood pressure is called "the silent killer" because it often causes no symptoms for many years, even decades, until it finally damages certain critical organs.
Poorly controlled high blood pressure ultimately can cause damage to blood vessels in the eye, thickening of the heart muscle and heart attacks, hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis), kidney failure, and strokes.
Most antihypertensive medications can be used alone or in combination. Some are used only in combination. Some are preferred over others in certain specific medical situations. And some are not to be used (contraindicated) in other situations.
Several classes of antihypertensive medications are available, including ACE i...

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Catapres

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Catapres
(clonidine hydrochloride, USP) Oral Antihypertensive Tablets of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mg

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Catapres (clonidine hydrochloride, USP) is a centrally acting alpha-agonist hypotensive agent available as tablets for oral administration in three dosage strengths: 0.1 mg, 0.2 mg and 0.3 mg. The 0.1 mg tablet is equivalent to 0.087 mg of the free base.

The inactive ingredients are colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch, dibasic calcium phosphate, FD&C Yellow No. 6, gelatin, glycerin, lactose, and magnesium stearate. The Catapres (clonidine) 0.1 mg tablet also contains FD&C Blue No.1 and FD&C Red No.3.

Clonidine hydrochloride is an imidazoline derivative and exists as a mesomeric compound. The chemical name is 2-(2,6-dichlorophenylamino)-2-imidazoline hydrochloride. The following is the structural formula:

Catapres
(clonidine hydrochloride) Structural Formula Illustration

C₉H₉Cl₂N₃•HCl Mol. Wt. 266.56

Clonidine hydrochloride is an odorless, bitter, white, crystalline substance soluble in water and alcohol.

What are the possible side effects of clonidine (Catapres)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

fast or pounding heartbeats;
a very slow heart rate (fewer than 60 beats per minute);
feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
swelling, rapid weight gain;
confusion, hallucinations;
fever, pale skin;
urinating less than...

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What are the precautions when taking clonidine (Catapres)?

Before taking clonidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have previously had a rash while using clonidine patches; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, heart disease (e.g., severe coronary artery disease, irregular heart rhythm, recent heart attack), depression, blood circulation disorders (e.g., Raynaud's disease, stroke).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery,...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 1/24/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.