Clonidine HCL Coupon & Discounts

Clonidine HCL Information:

• What

What is clonidine HCl?

Clonidine HCl is a sympatholytic drug, or more specifically an adrenergic agonist used to treat high blood pressure. Sympatholytic drugs act on the sympathetic nervous system which regulates the body’s fight or flight response. The neurotransmitters directly responsible for engaging this response are epinephrine and norepinephrine. The release of these neurotransmitters activates vasoconstriction or the tightening of blood vessels which causes an elevation in blood pressure. It also elevates heart rate. Clonidine HCl inhibits the release of norepinephrine, thereby controlling vasoconstriction and helping the blood to flow more freely. Because this medication regulates norepinephrine, it is also used to control the effects of anxiety and panic disorder. Anxiety attacks occur when the body unnecessarily plunges into fight or flight mode, increasing blood pressure and heart rate. Because of its calming effects on the sympathetic nervous system it has also been studied and used off-label to treat ADHD, Tourette syndrome, sleep disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorders, among others.

• How

How do I take clonidine HCl?

Clonidine HCl comes as a tablet to be taken orally and is usually prescribed to be taken twice a day. Your doctor may start you out on a low dose and slowly increase it over time until the proper effect is achieved. This medication may be taken with or without food. Take clonidine HCl at the same time every day. Do not stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor first. Suddenly stopping use of clonidine can cause withdrawal symptoms.

Clonidine may also come as a transdermal patch. To use the patch, clean and dry an area with little to no hair on your upper arm or chest. Then apply the patch to the area. Patches are usually changed every seven days. If your patch starts to come off, use the adhesive cover that comes with it.

• Precautions

Before taking clonidine HCl, tell your doctor if:

• You’ve recently suffered a stroke or heart attack.
• You have a history of heart or kidney disease.
• You are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• You’re over the age of 65.
• You’re taking prescription or non-prescription drugs, vitamins or supplements, especially beta blockers or other blood pressure medications, antidepressants, medications for anxiety or mental illness, sedatives, sleeping pills, and digoxin.
• You are allergic to clonidine or any of the other ingredients in this medication.
• Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of taking clonidine HCl?

Possible side effects from taking clonidine HCl include sleepiness, low blood pressure, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, headache, constipation, anxiety, hot flashes and weight changes. If you experience any serious or persistent side effects, contact your doctor. Rare but serious side effects include flu-like symptoms, rapid weight gain, extremely slow heart rate, confusion, or rapid heartbeat.

• Missed Dose

What if I forget to take a dose of clonidine HCl?

If you miss a dose of clonidine HCl, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular schedule. Do not take an extra dose of clonidine to compensate for a missed one.

 

• Storage

How do I store clonidine HCl?

Store clonidine HCl tightly closed in its container at a room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Protect your medication from light and moisture and keep it out of reach of children. Very small amounts of this medication can cause a young child to overdose.

• Overdose

What happens if I overdose on clonidine HCl?

Signs of overdose on clonidine HCl include depressed or shallow breathing, dizziness, pinpoint pupils, slow heartbeat, vomiting, decreased reflexes or lack of response, weakness, irritability, seizure and coma. If you think you or someone you know has overdosed on clonidine HCl, contact the Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim is unconscious or not breathing, call 911.

• Additional Info

Warnings

Clonidine HCl can make you dizzy. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you.  Abrupt discontinuance of clonidine can result in withdrawal symptoms that include a rapid increase in blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about slowly decreasing your medication if you want to stop using it. Alcohol can increase the side effects of this medication as it also depresses the central nervous system.

Brand Names

Brand names for the generic drug clonidine HCl include Catapres, Catapres-TTS, and Kapvay. Search our site for free coupons to get up to 81% off the price of clonidine HCL in your local pharmacy. Also search our site for Catapres or Kapvey and find coupons for discounts of up to 80% off the retail price.