Clonidine comes as a tablet and an extended-release (long-acting) tablet to take by mouth. The tablet is usually
taken two times a day at evenly spaced intervals
. The extended-release tablet is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. Take clonidine at around the same times every day.
How quickly does Catapres work?
CATAPRES tablets act relatively rapidly. The patient’s blood pressure declines
within 30 to 60 minutes after an oral
dose, the maximum decrease occurring within 2 to 4 hours.
How do you take Catapres?
How to use Catapres. Take this
medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor
, usually twice daily (in the morning and at bedtime). If the doses are not equal, take the larger dose at bedtime to decrease the risk of side effects.
When is the best time to take Catapres?
Catapres is usually taken
in the morning and at bedtime
. If you take different doses of this medicine at each dosing time, it may be best to take the larger dose at bedtime. Catapres may be taken with or without food.
Can I take Catapres with water?
Swallow the tablets
with a full glass of water
. Follow the instructions provided and use Catapres until your doctor tells you to stop. pressure. Catapres should be used regularly at the same time each day.
What is the most common side effect of clonidine?
General. Most adverse effects are mild and diminish with continued therapy. The most frequent (which appear to be dose-related) are
dry mouth
(40%), drowsiness (33%), dizziness (16%), constipation (10%), and sedation (10%).
Why is clonidine bad?
The
risk of death
comes from a condition known as “clonidine rebound” or “rebound hypertension”. Since this drug suppresses signals sent to the sympathetic nervous system, which results in low blood pressure, suddenly stopping the use of it can cause an overreaction in the system.
Is it safe to take Catapres everyday?
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember,
take it at the same times each day
. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
What does Catapres do to you?
Catapres works
by relaxing and widening blood vessels
and so helps to lower your blood pressure. Catapres is also used to prevent migraine headache and to relieve symptoms of menopausal flushing. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Catapres has been prescribed for you.
Can Catapres cause weight gain?
Genitourinary: Decreased sexual activity, difficulty in micturition, erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, nocturia, and urinary retention. Hematologic: Thrombocytopenia. Metabolic: Gynecomastia, transient elevation of blood glucose or serum creatine phosphokinase, and weight gain.
How many Catapres can you take?
For oral dosage form (tablets): Adults—
0.1 milligram (mg) two times a day
, taken in the morning and at bedtime. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. The usual dose is 0.2 mg to 0.6 mg per day, divided and given two times a day.
Can you just stop taking Catapres?
1) Clonidine (Catapres)
Stopping them abruptly may result in a surge of stress hormones such as epinephrine (adrenaline), norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and dopamine. You can also experience very high blood pressure (known as a “rebound” effect), so clonidine should be
weaned slowly
.
How can I bring my blood pressure down immediately?
- Exercise most days of the week. Exercise is the most effective way to lower your blood pressure. …
- Consume a low-sodium diet. Too much sodium (or salt) causes blood pressure to rise. …
- Limit alcohol intake to no more than 1 to 2 drinks per day. …
- Make stress reduction a priority.
Is Catapres used for anxiety?
Catapres (
clonidine hydrochloride
) and Xanax (alprazolam) are used to treat anxiety. Catapres is mainly used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Xanax is also used to treat panic attacks.
How do you know if clonidine is working?
Clonidine is
rapidly absorbed
and the peak effects are seen within one to three hours. The blood pressure-lowering effect of clonidine happens quickly, within 30 to 60 minutes after an oral dose, and the maximal effect on blood pressure occurs within two to four hours.
How long does it take for clonidine to work for sleep?
When will clonidine start working? Clonidine needs to be taken for two weeks before you see an improvement in your symptoms. It may take
2 to 4 months
to see the full benefits of the medication. Effects such as drowsiness and sedation (sometimes considered desirable) may appear sooner (even after the first dose).
