Kapvay Side Effects
Generic name: clonidine
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 31, 2024.
Note: This document contains side effect information about clonidine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Kapvay.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to clonidine: compounding powder, injectable solution, oral suspension extended release, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release, transdermal film extended release.
Cardiovascular
Very common (10% or more): Hypotension (45%), orthostatic hypotension (32%)
Common (1% to 10%): Chest pain, tachycardia
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Sinus bradycardia, Raynaud's phenomenon, palpitations
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Atrioventricular block, palpitations, bradycardia, syncope, congestive heart failure, electrocardiographic abnormalities (i.e., sinus node arrest, high degree AV block), cerebrovascular accident
Frequency not reported: Bradyarrhythmia, hypertension, rebound hypertension[Ref]
Dermatologic
Very common (10% or more): Contact dermatitis with the patch formulation (19%)
Common (1% to 10%): Sweating
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pruritus, rash (localized or generalized), urticaria, erythema
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Alopecia, excoriation, burning
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Papules, throbbing, blanching, generalized macular rash, facial/tongue angioedema
Frequency not reported: Hives, localized hypo or hyper pigmentation[Ref]
Endocrine
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Gynecomastia[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Very common (10% or more): Dry mouth (40%), upper abdominal pain (15%), nausea (13%), vomiting (10%)
Common (1% to 10%): Constipation, parotid gland pain
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Colonic pseudo-obstruction
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Parotitis[Ref]
Genitourinary
Common (1% to 10%): Erectile dysfunction
Frequency not reported: Micturition difficulty, loss of libido, decreased sexual activity, nocturia, urinary retention[Ref]
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%).[Ref]
Hematologic
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Peripheral blood flow disturbance, thrombocytopenia[Ref]
Hepatic
Frequency not reported: Mild transient abnormalities of liver function tests, hepatitis[Ref]
Metabolic
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Blood glucose increased, serum creatine phosphokinase increased
Frequency not reported: Weight gain, anorexia[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Frequency not reported: Muscle pain, joint pain, leg cramps[Ref]
Nervous system
Very common (10% or more): Drowsiness (33%), dizziness (16%), somnolence (13%), sedation (10%)
Common (1% to 10%): Headache
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Paresthesia
Frequency not reported: Headache, localized numbness[Ref]
Ocular
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Lacrimation decreased (dry eyes)
Frequency not reported: Accommodation disorder, ocular burning, vision blurred[Ref]
Other
Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue, tinnitus
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Malaise
Frequency not reported: Fever, pallor, weakness, positive Coombs' test, increased sensitivity to alcohol[Ref]
Psychiatric
Very common (10% or more): Confusion (13%)
Common (1% to 10%): Depression, tearfulness, sleep disorder, hallucinations (both visual and auditory), nervousness, agitation
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%):
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Delusional perception, nightmare
Frequency not reported: Libido decreased, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, behavior changes[Ref]
Respiratory
Common (1% to 10%): Hypoventilation
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Nasal dryness[Ref]
More about Kapvay (clonidine)
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- During pregnancy
- FDA approval history
- Drug class: antiadrenergic agents, centrally acting
- Breastfeeding
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Patient resources
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Professional resources
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Related treatment guides
References
1. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.
3. Product Information. CloNIDine Hydrochloride (clonidine). Unichem Pharmaceuticals Inc. 2016.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.