Brand name : ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine)
Pronounced: KAT-uh-press
Generic name: Clonidine hydrochloride
Why is ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine) prescribed?
ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine) is prescribed for high blood pressure. It is effective when
used alone or with other high blood pressure medications.
Doctors also prescribe ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine) for alcohol, nicotine, or benzodiazepine
(tranquilizer) withdrawal; migraine headaches; smoking cessation programs;
Tourette's syndrome (tics and uncontrollable utterances); narcotic/methadone
detoxification; premenstrual tension; and diabetic diarrhea.
Most important fact about ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine)
If you have high blood pressure, you must take ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine) regularly
for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it
may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine); and
you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine)
does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.
How should you take ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine)?
Take ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine) exactly as prescribed, even if you are feeling well.
Try not to miss any doses. If ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine) is not taken regularly, your
condition may get worse.
The ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine)-TTS patch should be put on a hairless, clean area of
the upper outer arm or chest. Normally, a new one is applied every
7 days to a new area of the skin. If the patch becomes loose, use some
adhesive tape or an adhesive bandage to keep it in place.
If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember, then go back to your regular schedule.
If you forget to take ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine) 2 or more times in a row, or if you
forget to change the transdermal patch for 3 or more days, contact
your doctor.
Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container away from
light.
ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine).
* Side effects may include:
Agitation, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, impotence,
loss of sex drive, nausea, nervousness, sedation (calm), vomiting, weakness
Why should ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine) not be prescribed?
Do not take ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine) if you have ever had an allergic reaction to
ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine) or to any of the components of the transdermal patch.
Special warnings about ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine)
ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine) should not be stopped suddenly. Headache, nervousness, agitation,
tremor, confusion, and rapid rise in blood pressure can occur. Severe
reactions such as disruption of brain functions, stroke, fluid in the
lungs, and death have also been reported. Your doctor should gradually
reduce your dosage over several days to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
If you see redness, blistering, or a rash near the transdermal patch,
call your doctor. You may need to remove the patch. If you are troubled
by mild irritation before completing 7 days of use, you may remove
the patch and apply a new one at a different site.If your doctor has
switched you to oral ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine) (tablet) because you had an allergic
reaction, such as a rash or hives, to the transdermal
skin patch, be aware that you may have a similar reaction to the ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine)
tablet.
If you have severe heart or kidney disease, are recovering from a
heart attack, or have a disease of the blood vessels of the brain,
your doctor will prescribe ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine) with caution.
If you are taking ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine) and a beta blocker such as Inderal or Tenormin,
and your doctor wants to stop your medication, the beta blocker should
be stopped several days before the gradual withdrawal of ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine).ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine)
may cause drowsiness. If it has this effect on you, avoid driving,
operating dangerous machinery, or participating in any hazardous
activity that requires full mental alertness.The used ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine)-TTS
patch still contains enough drug to be harmful to children and pets.
Fold the patch in half with the adhesive sides
together and dispose of it out of the reach of children.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine)
ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine) may increase the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol
while taking ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine).If ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine) is taken with certain other drugs,
the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It
is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine) with the following:Barbiturates
such as Nembutal and Seconal
Beta-blocker drugs such as the blood pressure medications Inderal and
Lopressor
Calcium blockers such as the heart medications Calan and Cardizem
Digitalis
Sedatives such as Valium, Xanax, and Halcion
Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil and Tofranil
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine) during pregnancy have not been adequately
studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your
doctor immediately. ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine) appears in breast milk and could affect
a nursing infant. If ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine) is essential to your health, your doctor
may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with
ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine) is finished.
Recommended dosage for ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine)
ADULTS
Overdosage
* Symptoms of ARKAMIN (Catapres, Clonidine) overdose may include:
Constriction of pupils of the eye, drowsiness, high blood pressure followed
by a drop in pressure, irritability, low body temperature, slowed breathing,
slowed heartbeat, slowed reflexes, weakness
Large overdoses can cause changes in heart function or rhythm, coma,
seizures, and temporary interruptions in breathing.
Getting a patch in the mouth or swallowing one can cause an overdose.
