Clonidine Patches

What is this medication?

CLONIDINE (KLOE ni deen) treats high blood pressure. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which decreases blood pressure and the amount of work the heart has to do.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Catapres-TTS

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Kidney disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to clonidine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for external use only. Use it as directed on the prescription label. Apply the patch to an area of the upper arm or part of the body that is clean, dry, and hairless. Avoid injured, irritated, calloused, or scarred areas. Use a different site each time to prevent skin irritation. Do not cut or trim the patch. One patch should last for 7 days. Keep using it unless your care team tells you to stop.

This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Replace each patch on the same day of each week, or if the patch falls off. If you do forget to change the patch for two or three days, check with your care team.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Barbiturate medications for inducing sleep or treating seizures like phenobarbital
• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
• Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• Prescription pain medications

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are using this medication. Ask your care team what your heart rate should be and when you should contact him or her.

You can shower or bathe with the skin patch in position. If the patch gets loose, cover it with the extra adhesive overlay provided.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. To avoid dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older person. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this medication without asking your care team for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.

If you are going to have surgery tell your care team that you are using this medication.

If you are going to have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure, tell your MRI technician if you have this patch on your body. It must be removed before a MRI.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.