Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Catapres (Clonidine).
Depression: Catapres (Clonidine) can cause symptoms of depression. If you have a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how Catapres (Clonidine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Catapres (Clonidine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, or decreased interest in activities, or notice them in a family member who is taking Catapres (Clonidine), contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Catapres (Clonidine) can cause drowsiness and dizziness and may affect the ability of your eyes to change focus quickly between distance and close up. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how you are affected by Catapres (Clonidine).
Eyes: Catapres (Clonidine) may affect the eye. People taking Catapres (Clonidine) should receive periodic eye examinations. Catapres (Clonidine) can cause decreased tear production, and contact lenses may become uncomfortable to wear.
Heart or blood vessel disease: Catapres (Clonidine) lowers blood pressure, which can cause worsening of heart conditions that are affected by decreased blood flow. If you have severe heart or blood vessel disease, have recently had a Heart Attack or Stroke, or a slow heart rate, discuss with your doctor how Catapres (Clonidine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Catapres (Clonidine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney function: Kidney Disease or decreased kidney function can cause Catapres (Clonidine) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Catapres (Clonidine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Catapres (Clonidine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Lactose: Catapres (Clonidine) may contain lactose. If you have galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption, you should not take Catapres (Clonidine) without talking to your doctor.
Other medical conditions: If you have polyneuropathy or constipation, discuss with your doctor how Catapres (Clonidine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Catapres (Clonidine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Raynaud's disease: If you have Raynaud's disease, discuss with your doctor how Catapres (Clonidine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Catapres (Clonidine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Surgery: If you are having any type of surgery, make sure that the doctors involved in your care are aware that you are taking Catapres (Clonidine).
Withdrawal: Don't stop taking Catapres (Clonidine) without talking to your doctor. A severe withdrawal reaction may develop within 12 to 48 hours when Catapres (Clonidine) is stopped suddenly. This reaction includes a rapid rise in blood pressure and symptoms such as nervousness, agitation, restlessness, pounding heartbeat, nausea, and headache. When stopping Catapres (Clonidine) therapy, your doctor will instruct you to reduce the dose gradually over 2 to 4 days to avoid this reaction. A withdrawal reaction is most likely to occur in people who have been receiving large doses of Catapres (Clonidine) or who are taking another type of blood pressure medication called a beta-blocker (e.g., Atenolol, Metoprolol, Bisoprolol) at the same time.
Pregnancy: When taken during pregnancy, Catapres (Clonidine) crosses the placenta and may cause the developing baby’s heart rate to slow.
Catapres (Clonidine) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Catapres (Clonidine), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Catapres (Clonidine) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Catapres (Clonidine), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding. Catapres (Clonidine) is not recommended for women who are breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Catapres (Clonidine) have not been established for children.
