Catapres
Generic Name:
Clonidine
Brand Names:
Catapres, Adesipress, Catapres-TTS, Catapresan, Catapressan, Clonistada, Dixarit, Duraclon, Duraclont, Ipotensium, Isoglaucon, Tenso-Timelets
Catapres Description:
Catapres is the brand name for clonidine marketed by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals. The medication is a centrally acting alpha-agonist hypotensive agent that is used in the treatment of high blood pressure.
Catapres Uses:
Catapres is indicated for the treatment of high blood pressure. It is used alone or in conjunction with other medications for controlling high blood pressure or hypertension. High blood pressure is a very serious medical condition that can lead to many life-threatening conditions, including:
- Stroke
- Coronary artery disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Kidney failure
The active ingredient in Catapres, clonidine, can reduce the heart rate and loosen up blood vessels by controlling nerve impulses to ensure smooth and easy blood flow through the vessels. It acts rapidly so that the blood pressure will be lowered within 30 to 60 minutes of taking the medication.
Catapres is available as an oral pill or as a transdermal patch called Catapres TTS. The transdermal patch is a medicated adhesive pad that can be stuck on the skin to deliver a controlled dose of medication through the skin and into the body.
Catapres is proven to also be effective in treating the following medical problems:
- Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps)
- Menopausal symptoms
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Alcohol and opiate withdrawal symptoms
- Smoking cessation symptoms
- Diagnosis of pheochromocytoma
- Migraine headaches
Catapres Interactions:
There are possibilities of adverse interactions when Catapres is used in combination with beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, or medications that affect sinus node function.
Catapres Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendation:
The initial dose of Catapres tablets is 0.1 mg, taken two times per day. The dose will then be increased by 0.1 mg at weekly intervals until the desired blood pressure control is achieved. The usual dose ranges from 0.2 mg to 0.6 mg per day, taken in divided doses.
For the Catapres transdermal patch, a doctor will determine which strength is right for your condition. The patch is attached to a hairless area of skin, like the upper arm or the chest. The patch is removed after seven days and replaced with a new patch. The new patch should be attached to a new place on the body and never the same as the previous placement.
Missing a Dose:
If a dose of Catapres is missed, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and wait to return to your regular dosing schedule. Never take a double dose to compensate for a missed dose.
Overdosing:
The most common symptoms associated with a Catapres overdose include:
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Bradycardia (unusually low heart rate, especially under 60 beats per minute)
- Difficulty breathing
- Syncope (fainting)
- Shivering
- Low body temperature
- Drowsiness and weakness
- Decreased or absent reflexes
- Slurred speech
- Irritability
- Cold, pale skin
- Contraction of the pupils
In cases of extreme overdose, symptoms may include abnormal heart beat, seizures, apnea, and coma.
Catapres FDA Approval:
September 3, 1974
Catapres Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
There are currently no Black Box warnings for Catapres.
In September 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alerted the public that The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) noted medication errors that occurred with the use of the Catapres transdermal patch because the name and strength of the medication are not written on the patch itself. However, there is a code printed on each patch that will denote the strength of the patch.
The FDA has also warned patients who wear transdermal patches including Catapres TTS about the risk of skin burns that can occur when the patch is worn during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
Other Warnings
It should be noted that Catapres controls hypertension and cannot cure blood pressure problems completely. The patient should never abruptly stop taking this medication without first consulting a doctor. The dose should always be reduced gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Abrupt stopping of Catapres can lead to the following conditions:
- Rapid rise in blood pressure
- Elevation of plasma catecholamine concentration
- Nervousness
- Agitation
- Headache
- Confusion
- Tremor
Some very rare cases of hypertensive encephalopathy, cerebrovascular accidents, and death have also been reported with the sudden cessation of clonidine.
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