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Clonidine
Pronounced: kloe-ni-deen
Other Name(s): Catapres, Dixarit (Canada)
Clonidine is prescribed for high blood pressure. It is effective when used alone or with other high blood pressure medications.
Doctors also prescribe Clonidine for alcohol, nicotine, or benzodiazepine (tranquilizer) withdrawal; migraine headaches; smoking cessation programs; Tourette's syndrome (tics and uncontrollable utterances); narcotic/methadone detoxification; premenstrual tension; menstrual symptoms; 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 Clonidine 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.
CHILDREN
Safety and effectiveness of the Clonidine 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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