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.
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?
Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
MAOIs, such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
This medication may also interact with the following:
Barbiturate medications for inducing sleep or treating seizures, such as phenobarbital
Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, or irregular heart beat
Certain medications for mental health conditions
Prescription pain medications
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
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 as directed. Know what your heart rate and blood pressure should be, and when to contact your care team.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem doesn't go away or is severe.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medication without asking your care team for advice. Some medications may increase your blood pressure.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your care team that you are taking this medication.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.
