Drug Name: CATAPRES
Pronounced: KAT-uh-press
Chemical names: Clonidine hydrochloride

CATAPRES Drug Use: Catapres is used to treat high blood pressure. Doctors may also prescribe Catapres for alcohol, nicotine, or benzodiazepine (tranquilizer) withdrawal, migraine headaches, smoking cessation programs, Tourette’s syndrome (tics and uncontrollable utterances), narcotic/methadone detoxification, premenstrual tension, and diabetic diarrhea.

CATAPRES Drug Usage Instructions: Take exactly as prescribed by Doctor. Catapress comes as a patch in the USA and as a tablet in Canada. It is very important to take this medication exactly as prescribed, even if you are feeling well. Do not miss any doses. If Catapres is not taken regularly, your condition may get worse.

CATAPRES Storage Instructions: You can the Catapres patch and tablet at room temperature out of direct sunlight.

CATAPRES Missed Dose: If the patch falls off re-apply. If it continually falls of clean the area with some alcohol, let it dry, then re-apply. If this still doesn’t work, use a new patch. If you miss a dose of the Catapress tablet, take as soon as you remember unless it’s time for your next dose. If this is the case skip the last dose and then resume your regular schedule. Do not double up on doses.

CATAPRES Side Effects: Some of the more common side effects are: dizziness, constipation, drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, fatigue, loss of sex drive, impotence, sedation, weakness, and vomiting. Other less common side effects include headache, excessive nighttime urination, mental depression, and loss of appetite. If you experience any of these, or any other effects, see your doctor.

Special Precautions with CATAPRES: You should not stop taking this medication abruptly. Never stop unless speaking to your doctor beforehand. You should gradually decrease the dose or some serious effects may occur (rapid rise in blood pressure, tremor, confusion, stroke, fluid in the lungs). If you are allergic to Catapress or any of it’s constituent you should not take this medication.