Clonidine (Systemic)
Brand Names : Catapres-TTS-1, Catapres-TTS-2, Catapres-TTS-3, Dixarit, Catapres
Precautions While Using This MedicineIt is
important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure
that this medicine is working properly.
Check with your doctor before you stop using this medicine
. Your doctor may want you to reduce gradually the amount you are using
before stopping completely.
Make sure that you have enough clonidine on hand to
last through weekends, holidays, or vacations
. You should not miss
any doses. You may want to ask your doctor for another written prescription
for clonidine to carry in your wallet or purse. You can then have it filled
if you run out of medicine when you are away from home.
For patients taking this medicine for high blood pressure
:
-
Do not take other medicines unless they have
been discussed with your doctor
. This especially includes over-the-counter
(nonprescription) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay
fever, or sinus problems, since they may tend to increase your blood pressure.
Clonidine will add to the effects of alcohol and other central nervous
system (CNS) depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly
causing drowsiness). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or
medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers,
or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; barbiturates;
medicine for seizures; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental
anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any
of the above while you are using this medicine
.
Clonidine may cause some people to become drowsy or less alert than they
are normally. This is more likely to happen when you begin to take it or when
you increase the amount of medicine you are taking. Make
sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines,
or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert
.
Before having any kind of surgery (including dental surgery) or emergency
treatment, tell the medical doctor or dentist in charge
that you are using this medicine
.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur after you take this medicine,
especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly
may help, but if the problem continues or gets worse, check with your doctor.
The dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting is also more likely to occur
if you drink alcohol, stand for long periods of time, exercise, or if the
weather is hot. While you are taking clonidine, be careful to limit the amount
of alcohol you drink. Also, use extra care during exercise or hot weather
or if you must stand for a long time.
Clonidine may cause dryness of the mouth. For temporary relief, use sugarless
candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute.
However, if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check
with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase
the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus
infections.
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