warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Clonidine (Catapres)?

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to clonidine.

It is not known if clonidine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of clonidine on the baby.

If you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor if you notice somnolence, tiredness, rapid breathing, and poor feeding in the nursing baby.

CatapresKapvay is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. Do not give to a child younger than 6 years old.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Clonidine may affect fertility in men or women. Pregnancy could be harder to achieve while either parent is using this medicine.

heart disease or severe coronary artery disease;
a heart rhythm disorder, slow heartbeats;
high or low blood pressure, or a history of fainting spells;
a heart attack or stroke;
pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland);
kidney disease; or
if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a clonidine transdermal skin patch (Catapres TTS).

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Clonidine (Catapres)?

Get emergency medical help if you have : hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. signs of an allergic reaction

Call your doctor at once if you have:

severe chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats;
a very slow heart rate; or
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

drowsiness, dizziness;
feeling tired or irritable;
dry mouth;
constipation, loss of appetite; or
sleep problems (insomnia), nightmares.

Common side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I take Clonidine (Catapres) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Risk cannot be ruled out

Based on FDA pregnancy categories

It is not known if clonidine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of clonidine on the baby.

If you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor if you notice somnolence, tiredness, rapid breathing, and poor feeding in the nursing baby.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Clonidine (Catapres)?

Use Clonidine (Catapres) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Clonidine is usually taken in the morning and at bedtime. If you take different doses of this medicine at each dosing time, it may be best to take the larger dose at bedtime.

Clonidine may be taken with or without food.

Tell your doctor if you have a planned surgery.

You may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop using clonidine suddenly. Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.

If you have high blood pressure, High blood pressure often has no symptoms. keep using this medicine even if you feel well.

Swallow the extended-release tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting. This is especially important for a child taking clonidine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Clonidine (Catapres)?

Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. use two doses at one time. Do not