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Catapres
Pronounced: KAT-uh-press
Generic name: Clonidine hydrochloride
Catapres is prescribed for high blood pressure. It is effective when used alone or with other high blood pressure medications.
Doctors 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.
ADULTS
The dosage will be adjusted to your individual needs.
The usual starting dose is 0.1 milligram, twice a day (usually in the morning and at bedtime).
The regular dose of Catapres is determined by increasing the daily dose by 0.1 milligram at weekly intervals until the desired response is achieved. A larger portion of the increased dose can be taken at bedtime to reduce potential side effects of drowsiness and dry mouth that may appear when you begin taking this drug.
The most common effective dosages range from 0.2 milligram to 0.6 milligram per day divided into smaller doses. The maximum effective dose is 2.4 milligrams per day.
Transdermal Patch
The patch comes in different strengths, and your doctor will determine which is best for you based on your blood pressure response.
People who are using another high blood pressure medication should not stop taking it abruptly when they begin using the patch, because the medication in the patch may take a few days to begin working. The other medication should be discontinued slowly as the patch begins to take effect.
CHILDREN
Safety and effectiveness of the Catapres tablets and patch in children below the age of 12 have not been established.
OLDER ADULTS
Dosages are generally as above; however, the initial dosage for an older person may be lower than the regular starting dose. |
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