Catapres Side Effects

Generic name: clonidine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 4, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about clonidine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Catapres.

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]

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.

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