Where is Clonidine used?
Clonidine is in the group of drugs called acting alpha-agonist hypotensive agents. This medicine is used for the treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent heart attacks, strokes, or kidney complications. This medication acts in the brain to lower blood pressure.
This is a type of medicine called a centrally-acting antihypertensive. This may be used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this treatment.
How does Clonidine work?
Clonidine works by stimulating alpha-receptors in the brain. This action lessens the nerve signals that are sent from the brain to the blood vessels causing them to narrow and contract. As a result, the blood vessels are allowed to relax and widen. This increases the amount of space in the blood vessels. It also decreases the pressure inside them. This lowers blood pressure.
How is Clonidine taken?
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to the treatment. This medication is to be taken usually twice a day, in the morning and at bedtime. You may take this with or without food. Take this by mouth with a full glass of water. Use this regularly or as directed by your doctor. Do not take this longer than prescribed.
Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor. A rapid rise in blood pressure may also occur if the medication is suddenly stopped. The risk is greater if you have used this drug for a long time or in high doses. Let your doctor or pharmacist know right away if you are incapable to take the medication. To avoid any reactions while you are stopping treatment with this medication, your doctor may decrease your dosage slowly. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Report about any new or worsening symptoms right away.
What are the possible side effects of Clonidine?
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Irritability
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Light-headedness
- Ear pain
- Stomach pain
- Fever
- Insomnia or nightmares
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
Call your doctor right away if you have these:
- Nosebleeds
- A light-headed feeling like you might pass out
- Anxiety or confusion
- Shortness of breath
- Severe chest pain
- Severe headache
- Irregular heartbeats
- Blurred vision
- Pounding in your neck or ears
What are the precautions in taking Clonidine?
- Let your doctor know if you have any allergies as well as medical history and current medications including vitamins, herbal products, or food supplements.
- Consult first your doctor if you are breastfeeding or pregnant woman. This may not be recommended for use unless needed.
- You should not share this with others who have the same symptoms as yours.
- If you missed a dose, call your doctor for instructions. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.
- Contact lens wearers may need to use wetting eye drops since this medication may cause dry eyes.
- Do not take two medicines at the same time.
- Keep this far from the reach of children.
