Catapres (clonidine hydrochloride, USP) tablets are indicated in the treatment of hypertension. Catapres (clonidine) tablets may be employed alone or concomitantly with other antihypertensive agents.

Adults

The dose of Catapres (clonidine hydrochloride, USP) tablets must be adjusted according to the patient's individual blood pressure response. The following is a general guide to its administration.

Initial Dose

0.1 mg tablet twice daily (morning and bedtime). Elderly patients may benefit from a lower initial dose.

Maintenance Dose

Further increments of 0.1 mg per day may be made at weekly intervals if necessary until the desired response is achieved. Taking the larger portion of the oral daily dose at bedtime may minimize transient adjustment effects of dry mouth and drowsiness. The therapeutic doses most commonly employed have ranged from 0.2 mg to 0.6 mg per day given in divided doses.

Studies have indicated that 2.4 mg is the maximum effective daily dose, but doses as high as this have rarely been employed.

Renal Impairment

Dosage must be adjusted according to the degree of impairment, and patients should be carefully monitored. Since only a minimal amount of clonidine is removed during routine hemodialysis, there is no need to give supplemental clonidine following dialysis.

Catapres (clonidine hydrochloride, USP) tablets are supplied as follows:

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°-30°C (59°-86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Dispense in tight, light-resistant container.

Distributed by: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Ridgefield, CT 06877 USA. Manufactured by: Boehringer Ingelheim Promeco S.A. de C.V., Mexico City, Mexico. Licensed from: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH. Address medical inquiries to: (800) 542-6257 or (800) 459-9906.

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