Catapres-TTS (Clonidine) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 26, 2012

Catapres-TTS

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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-TTS Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Catapres-TTS-1, Catapres-TTS-2, Catapres-TTS-3

Generic Name: clonidine (transdermal) (Pronunciation: KLOE ni deen )

What is clonidine transdermal (Catapres-TTS)?

Clonidine lowers blood pressure by decreasing the levels of certain chemicals in your blood. This allows your blood vessels to relax and your heart to beat more slowly and easily.

Clonidine transdermal is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). It is sometimes used together with other blood pressure medications.

Clonidine transdermal may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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

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 usual or not at all;
numbness or cold feeling in your hands or feet;
feeling like you might pass out; or
severe skin irritation, redness, swelling, burning, or blistering where the patch is worn.

Less serious side effects may include:

feeling dizzy, drowsy, tired, or nervous;
dry mouth;
dry or burning eyes, blurred vision;
headache, muscle or joint pain;
nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite;
sleep problems (insomnia);
urinating more at night;
mild skin rash or itching;
decreased sex drive, impotence; or
skin rash, discoloration, or mild irritation where the patch is worn.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about clonidine transdermal (Catapres-TTS)?

Before using clonidine transdermal, tell your doctor if you have heart disease or severe coronary artery disease, a heart rhythm disorder, a history of heart attack or stroke, or kidney disease.

Do not stop using this medication suddenly without first talking to your doctor. Stopping this medication suddenly can cause nervousness, agitation, headache, tremors, severe high blood pressure, or life-threatening symptoms. Talk with your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using clonidine transdermal.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of clonidine transdermal.

Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Clonidine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

The clonidine transdermal patch may burn your skin if you wear the patch during an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Remove the clonidine patch before undergoing such a test.

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using clonidine transdermal. If you need emergency heart resuscitation, your family or caregivers should tell emergency medical personnel if you are wearing a clonidine skin patch. The patch should be removed before any electrical equipment (such as a defribrillator) is used on you.

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