home > drugs a-z list > catapres-tts (clonidine) drug center > catapres-tts (clonidine) drug - consumer uses and warnings

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

CLONIDINE - TRANSDERMAL

(KLAHN-eh-deen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Catapres-TTS

USES: This medication is used to treat high blood pressure. It works by stimulating certain brain receptors (alpha adrenergic type) which results in the relaxing of blood vessels in other parts of your body, causing them to widen. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used for hot flashes that occur with menopause, for withdrawal symptoms from narcotic drugs, and to help people quit smoking.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Before using, remove the clear plastic backing to expose the sticky surface of the medicated patch. Apply the patch to a hairless area of the skin on the upper outer arm or chest every 7 days. Do not use on broken or irritated skin. After 7 days, remove the used patch and apply a new patch to a different area than the previous one to avoid skin irritation.

If the medicated patch peels away from the skin, you may cover it with the large non-medicated adhesive overlay to keep it on for the full 7 days.

Even after 7 days, the used patch still has some medication in it. To prevent an accidental overdose, after you remove a used patch, fold it in half with the sticky sides together and discard in the trash away from children and pets.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to replace the old patch with a new one on the same day every week, or use as directed by your doctor. It is important to continue using this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

Do not suddenly stop using this medication without consulting your doctor because your condition may become worse. A serious rapid increase in your blood pressure (rebound hypertension) may occur when this drug is suddenly stopped or if you miss replacing the patch for 3 or more days, especially if you have been using it for a long time, at higher doses, or with a beta-blocker medication. Therefore it is important that you do not run out of clonidine. There have been reports of rare, but very serious (possibly fatal) results, including stroke, from stopping this drug too quickly. If you must stop using this drug, your dose should be gradually decreased as directed by your doctor.

When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well (e.g., your routine blood pressure readings increase).