Clonidine (Absorbed Through The Skin)

Clonidine (KLOE-ni-deen)

Treats high blood pressure.Belongs to a class of drugs called antihypertensives.

Brand Name(s):

Catapres-TTS-2, Catapres-TTS-1, Catapres-TTS-3
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to clonidine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Patch

• Use this medicine exactly as your doctor ordered. Even if you feel fine, your blood pressure can still be high.
• Your doctor will tell you how often to change your patch. Usually the same patch is left on your skin for 7 days.
• It is important to carefully follow the instructions that come with your clonidine patches. Do not cut the patch or trim it to lower your dosage.
• Put the patch on a clean, dry area on your upper arm or chest. Do not put the patch where you have hair, scars, cuts, or skin irritation.
• Leave in place even when showering, bathing, or swimming. If the patch loosens, cover it with an extra adhesive overlay that is provided in the box.
• Put on a new patch if the first one gets loose or falls off.
• Each time you put on a patch, use a different place on your skin.

If a dose is missed:

• Put on a patch as soon as possible.
• If you are 3 or more days late in changing the patch, contact your doctor.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Throw the used patches away so that children or pets cannot get to them. The used patch may still have enough medicine in it to be harmful.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Avoid drinking alcohol.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking other medicines that may make you sleepy, such as sleeping pills, sedatives, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, narcotic pain killers, tricyclic antidepressants (such as Elavil® or Anafranil®) or beta-blockers (such as Tenormin® or Inderal®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is important for your doctor to know if you have any other medical problems, particularly heart or blood vessel disease, sugar diabetes, kidney disorders, depression, Raynaud's disease, stroke, or lupus.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
• This medicine may make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. If it does, avoid driving a car or using machinery.
• To avoid getting dizzy while taking this medicine, get up slowly from a lying or sitting position.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. You may need to use less and less before completely stopping.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Trouble breathing
• Very slow heartbeat
• Severe skin rash
• Faintness
• Unusual tiredness or extreme weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Itching or skin redness
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Drowsiness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.