Catapres-TTS-2

Generic Name: clonidine (Oral route, Transdermal route)

KLOE-ni-deen

Commonly used brand name(s):

In the U.S.

• Catapres
• Catapres-TTS-1
• Catapres-TTS-2
• Catapres-TTS-3

Available Dosage Forms:

• Patch, Extended Release
• Tablet

Therapeutic Class: Antihypertensive

Pharmacologic Class: Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist

User Reviews & Ratings As a treatment for... Avg User Ratings [?] Anxiety 0 reviews Rate it! 8.0 Opiate Withdrawal 2 reviews Rate it! 7.2 High Blood Pressure Be the first to rate it 0 reviews Showing 3 of 9 conditions - Show All... Compare with other drugs.

Uses For Catapres-TTS-2

Clonidine belongs to the general class of medicines called antihypertensives. It is used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

High blood pressure adds to the work load of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Hypertension may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.

Clonidine works by controlling nerve impulses along certain nerve pathways. As a result, it relaxes blood vessels so that blood passes through them more easily. This helps to lower blood pressure.

Clonidine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, clonidine is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:

• Migraine headache.
• Symptoms associated with menopause or menstrual discomfort.
• Symptoms of withdrawal associated with alcohol, nicotine, or narcotics.
• Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome.

Before Using Catapres-TTS-2

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of clonidine transdermal in children below 12 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of clonidine transdermal in geriatric patients. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related heart or kidney problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving clonidine transdermal.

Dizziness or faintness may be more likely to occur in the elderly, who are more sensitive than younger adults to the effects of clonidine.

Pregnancy

Breast Feeding

Studies suggest that this medication may alter milk production or composition. If an alternative to this medication is not prescribed, you should monitor the infant for side effects and adequate milk intake.

Interactions with Medicines

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Acebutolol
• Amitriptyline
• Amoxapine
• Atenolol
• Betaxolol
• Bevantolol
• Bisoprolol
• Carteolol
• Carvedilol
• Celiprolol
• Clomipramine
• Desipramine
• Dilevalol
• Dothiepin
• Doxepin
• Imipramine
• Labetalol
• Levobunolol
• Lofepramine
• Metipranolol
• Metoprolol
• Mirtazapine
• Nadolol
• Nebivolol
• Nortriptyline
• Oxprenolol
• Penbutolol
• Pindolol
• Propranolol
• Protriptyline
• Sotalol
• Tertatolol
• Timolol
• Trimipramine

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Cyclosporine
• Fluphenazine
• Mepivacaine
• Naloxone
• Yohimbine

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Cardioversion (a medical procedure) or
• Defibrillation (a medical procedure)—Clonidine transdermal system should be removed before having cardioversion or defibrillation to avoid worsening of the condition.

• Heart attack, recent or
• Heart or blood vessel disease or
• Heart rhythm problems or
• Kidney disease, severe or
• Stroke—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

• Irritated or scraped skin (with transdermal system [skin patch] only)—The effects of clonidine may be increased if the skin patch is placed on an area of scraped or irritated skin because more medicine is absorbed into the body.

• Kidney disease—Effects of clonidine may be increased because of slower removal of clonidine from the body.

• Mental depression, history of or
• Raynaud's syndrome—Clonidine may make these conditions worse.

• Polyarteritis nodosa or
• Scleroderma or
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (with transdermal system [skin patch] only)—Effects of clonidine may be decreased because absorption of this medicine into the body is blocked.

Proper Use of clonidine

This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain clonidine. It may not be specific to Catapres-TTS-2. Please read with care.

For patients taking this medicine for high blood pressure:

• In addition to the use of the medicine your doctor has prescribed, treatment for your high blood pressure may include weight control and care in the types of foods you eat, especially foods high in sodium. Your doctor will tell you which of these are most important for you. You should check with your doctor before changing your diet.
• Many patients who have high blood pressure will not notice any signs of the problem. In fact, many may feel normal. It is very important that you take your medicine exactly as directed and that you keep your appointments with your doctor even if you feel well.
• Remember that this medicine will not cure your high blood pressure but it does help control it. Therefore, you must continue to use it as directed if you expect to lower your blood pressure and keep it down. You may have to take high blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. If high blood pressure is not treated, it can cause serious problems such as heart failure, blood vessel disease, stroke, or kidney disease.

For patients using the transdermal system (skin patch):

• Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. It will work only if applied correctly. This medicine usually comes with patient instructions. Read them carefully before using.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying a patch. Do not touch your eyes until after you have washed your hands.
• Do not try to trim or cut the adhesive patch to adjust the dosage. Check with your doctor if you think the medicine is not working as it should.
• Wash the area of skin where you will apply the patch gently with soap and water. Rinse completely and dry with a clean, dry tissue.
• Apply the patch right away after removing it from the protective pouch. Do not cut it into smaller pieces and do not touch the sticky surface of the patch.
• Apply the patch to a clean, dry, intact skin area on your upper, outer arm or upper chest. Choose an area with little or no hair and free of scars, cuts, or irritation. Avoid putting the patch on areas where it could be rubbed off by tight clothing.
• Press the patch firmly in place with your fingertips to make sure that the edges of the patch stick well.
• The system should stay in place even during showering, bathing, or swimming. If the patch becomes loose, cover it with the extra adhesive overlay or cover provided. Apply a new patch if the first one becomes too loose or falls off.
• Each dose is best applied to a different area of the skin to prevent skin problems or other irritation.

To help you remember to use your medicine, try to get into the habit of using it at regular times. If you are taking the tablets, take them at the same time each day. If you are using the transdermal system (skin patch), try to change it at the same time and day of the week.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For high blood pressure:
  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • Adults and teenagers—100 microgram (mcg) or (0.1 mg) two times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose up to 200 mcg (0.2 mg) to 600 mcg (0.6 mg) a day taken in divided doses.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For transdermal dosage form (skin patch):
    • Adults and teenagers—One patch applied once every 7 days. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed.
    • Children below 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

If you forget to wear or change a patch, put one on as soon as you can. If it is almost time to put on your next patch, wait until then to apply a new patch and skip the one you missed. Do not apply extra patches to make up for a missed dose.

If you miss two or more doses of the tablets in a row or if you miss changing the transdermal patch for 3 or more days, check with your doctor right away. If your body goes without this medicine for too long, your blood pressure may go up to a dangerously high level and some unpleasant effects may occur.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Store the patches at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

After removing a used patch, fold the patch in half with the sticky sides together. Make sure to dispose of it out of the reach of children and pets.

Precautions While Using Catapres-TTS-2

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for any unwanted effects.

Check with your doctor before you stop using this medicine. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are using before stopping completely.

Make sure that you have enough clonidine on hand to last through weekends, holidays, or vacations. You should not miss any doses. You may want to ask your doctor for another written prescription for clonidine to carry in your wallet or purse. You can then have it filled if you run out of medicine when you are away from home.

For patients taking this medicine for high blood pressure:

• Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes over-the-counter (nonprescription) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, since they may tend to increase your blood pressure.

Clonidine will add to the effects of alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; barbiturates or medicine for seizures; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using this medicine.

Clonidine may cause some people to become drowsy or less alert than they are normally. This is more likely to happen when you begin to take it or when you increase the amount of medicine you are taking. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Before having any kind of surgery (including dental surgery) or emergency treatment, tell the medical doctor or dentist in charge that you are using this medicine.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur after you take this medicine, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help, but if the problem continues or gets worse, check with your doctor.

The dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting is also more likely to occur if you drink alcohol, stand for long periods of time, exercise, or if the weather is hot. While you are taking clonidine, be careful to limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Also, use extra care during exercise or hot weather or if you must stand for a long time.

Clonidine may cause dryness of the mouth. For temporary relief, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.

You may have some skin redness, rash, itching, or blistering at the place where you wear the patch. If this irritation is severe or does not go away, call your doctor. Do not remove the patch unless your doctor tells you to.

Tell the doctor in charge that you are using this medicine before having a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Skin burns may occur at the site where the patch is worn during this procedure. Ask your doctor if the patch should be removed before having an MRI scan. You might need to put on a new patch after the procedure.

Catapres-TTS-2 Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

• Itching or redness of the skin

• Mental depression
• swelling of the feet and lower legs

• Anxiety
• blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
• chest pain or discomfort
• confusion as to time, place, or person
• decreased urine output
• dilated neck veins
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• fever
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• hallucinations
• holding false beliefs that cannot be changed by fact
• hyperventilation
• irregular breathing
• irritability
• itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting
• mental depression
• paleness or cold feeling in the fingertips and toes
• pounding, slow heartbeat
• problems in urination or increase in the amount of urine
• raised red swellings on the skin, lips, tongue, or in the throat
• restlessness
• seeing or hearing things that are not there
• shaking
• shortness of breath
• skin rash
• swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
• tightness in the chest
• tingling or pain in the fingers or toes when exposed to cold
• trouble with sleeping
• troubled breathing
• unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vivid dreams or nightmares
• weight gain
• wheezing

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

• Dizziness (extreme) or faintness
• feeling cold
• pinpoint pupils of the eyes
• unusual tiredness or weakness (extreme)

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Constipation

• Darkening of the skin
• decreased sexual ability
• dry, itching, or burning eyes
• loss of appetite
• nausea or vomiting

• Blurred vision
• decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• hair loss or thinning of the hair
• inability to have or keep an erection
• leg cramps
• loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
• muscle or joint pain
• pale skin
• swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males
• weakness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

The information contained in the Thomson Healthcare (Micromedex) products as delivered by Drugs.com is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.

The use of the Thomson Healthcare products is at your sole risk. These products are provided "AS IS" and "as available" for use, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Thomson Healthcare and Drugs.com make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, usefulness or completeness of any of the information contained in the products. Additionally, THOMSON HEALTHCARE MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE OPINIONS OR OTHER SERVICE OR DATA YOU MAY ACCESS, DOWNLOAD OR USE AS A RESULT OF USE OF THE THOMSON HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. Thomson Healthcare does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Thomson Healthcare products.

Link to Page

Print Page

Email Page

Add to List