DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Clonidine

March 21, 2017

Clonidine Hydrochloride Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

CLONIDINE (KLOE ni deen) is used to treat high blood pressure.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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

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

  • kidney disease

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

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. 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 or you may get a dangerous increase in blood pressure. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

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:

  • barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures like phenobarbital

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

  • certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

  • prescription pain medicines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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, especially if you are an older person. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

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

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.

If you are going to have surgery tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

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

  • anxiety, nervousness

  • chest pain

  • depression

  • fast, irregular heartbeat

  • swelling of feet or legs

  • 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):

  • change in sex drive or performance

  • constipation

  • headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Clonidine Hydrochloride Oral tablet, extended-release [ADHD]

What is this medicine?

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

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

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.

Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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.

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

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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.

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 these 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

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Clonidine Hydrochloride Oral tablet, extended-release [ADHD], Clonidine Hydrochloride Oral tablet, extended-release [ADHD]

What is this medicine?

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

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

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.

Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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.

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

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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.

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 these 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

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Clonidine Hydrochloride Solution for injection

What is this medicine?

CLONIDINE (KLOE ni deen) is used for relief of severe pain that is not controlled by other pain medications.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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

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

  • heart or blood vessel disease

  • injection site infection

  • kidney disease

  • recent heart attack or stroke

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

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for infusion into the spine. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

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:

  • barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures like phenobarbital

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

  • certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

  • prescription pain medicines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

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. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may increase this effect. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

If you have an epidural catheter, report any pain or redness at the catheter site to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible.

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

  • anxiety, nervousness

  • chest pain

  • dizziness or fainting spells

  • fever, chills

  • increased sweating

  • fast, irregular heartbeat

  • pain or difficulty passing urine

  • swelling of feet or legs

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

  • constipation

  • difficulty sleeping

  • headache

  • unusually weak or tired

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

Clonidine Oral tablet, extended-release

What is this medicine?

CLONIDINE (KLOE ni deen) is used to treat high blood pressure.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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

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

  • kidney disease

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

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. 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 suddenly stop taking this medicine. You must gradually reduce the dose or you may get a dangerous increase in blood pressure. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

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

  • barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures like phenobarbital

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

  • certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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, especially if you are an older person. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

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

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.

If you are going to have surgery tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

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

  • anxiety, nervousness

  • chest pain

  • depression

  • fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat

  • swelling of feet or legs

  • unusual bleeding or bruising

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

  • change in sex drive or performance

  • constipation

  • dizziness

  • dry mouth

  • headache

  • tiredness

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Clonidine Transdermal patch - weekly

What is this medicine?

CLONIDINE (KLOE ni deen) is used to treat high blood pressure.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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

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

  • kidney disease

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

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for external use only. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Apply the patch to an area of the upper arm or part of the body that is clean, dry and hairless. Avoid injured, irritated, calloused, or scarred areas. Use a different site each time to prevent skin irritation. Do not cut or trim the patch. One patch should last for 7 days. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop using except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional. You must gradually reduce the dose or you may get a dangerous increase in blood pressure.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Replace each patch on the same day of each week, or if the patch falls off. If you do forget to change the patch for two or three days, check with your doctor or health care professional.

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:

  • barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures like phenobarbital

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

  • certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

  • prescription pain medicines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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 using this medicine. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your heart rate should be and when you should contact him or her.

You can shower or bathe with the skin patch in position. If the patch gets loose, cover it with the extra adhesive overlay provided.

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, especially if you are an older person. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

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

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.

If you are going to have surgery tell your doctor or health care professional that you are using this medicine.

If you are going to have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure, tell your MRI technician if you have this patch on your body. It must be removed before a MRI.

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

  • anxiety, nervousness

  • chest pain

  • depression

  • fast, irregular heartbeat

  • swelling of feet or legs

  • 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):

  • change in sex drive or performance

  • constipation

  • headache

  • skin redness, irritation, or darkening under the patch area

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert