Clonidine extended release tablets (ADHD)

What is this medicine?

CLONIDINE (KLOE ni deen) is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. You must gradually reduce the dose. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• anxious or change in mood

• increased body temperature

• low blood pressure

• unusually slow heartbeat

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• dizziness

• dry mouth

• headache

• loss of appetite

• nightmares or trouble sleeping

• tiredness

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• alcohol

• certain medicines for seizures like phenobarbital

• certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat

• certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

• medicines for sleep

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding in the brain

• heart disease

• high or low blood pressure

• history of slow or irregular heartbeat

• kidney disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to clonidine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking this medicine. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your heart rate should be and when you should contact him or her.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To avoid dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated.

Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. You may develop a severe reaction. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.