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Apo-Clonidine

(clonidine)

In this factsheet:
• How does Apo-Clonidine work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Apo-Clonidine?
• What form(s) does Apo-Clonidine come in?
• Who should NOT take Apo-Clonidine?
• What side effects are possible with Apo-Clonidine?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Apo-Clonidine?
• What other drugs could interact with Apo-Clonidine?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

What side effects are possible with Apo-Clonidine?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• agitation
• changes in sexual function
• constipation
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• feeling unwell
• headache
• loss of appetite
• nausea and vomiting
• nervousness
• tiredness
• weakness
• weight gain

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• confusion
• depression
• difficulty urinating
• dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting - especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position
• joint pain
• muscle pain or cramps
• pounding or fast heart rate
• paleness or cold feeling in fingertips and toes
• seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations)
• signs of liver problems such as nausea, vomiting or dark urine
• skin rash
• slow heart rate

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., hives; difficulty breathing; or swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Apo-Clonidine?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Depression: If you have a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Clonidine can cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate other machinery until you have determined that this medication does not affect your ability to perform these tasks.

Eyes: This medication may affect the eye. People taking clonidine should receive periodic eye examinations. Because this medication can cause decreased tear production, and contact lenses may become uncomfortable to wear.

Heart or blood vessel disease: Because this medication lowers blood pressure, if you have severe heart disease or blood vessel disease, a recent heart attack or stroke, or a slow heart rate, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney function: If you have reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Lactose: This medication may contain lactose. People with conditions associated with galactose intolerance should not take this medication.

Other medical conditions: If you have polyneuropathy or constipation, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Raynaud's disease: If you have Raynaud's disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Withdrawal: Don't stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor. A severe withdrawal reaction may develop within 12 to 48 hours when clonidine is stopped suddenly. This reaction includes a rapid rise in blood pressure and symptoms such as nervousness, agitation, restlessness, pounding heartbeat, nausea, and headache.

When stopping clonidine therapy, your doctor will instruct you to reduce the dose gradually over 2 to 4 days to avoid this reaction. A withdrawal reaction is most likely to occur in people who have been receiving large doses of clonidine or who are taking another type of blood pressure medication called a beta-blocker (e.g., atenolol, metoprolol, bisoprolol) at the same time.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if clonidine passes into breast milk. This medication is not recommended for women who are breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.

What other drugs could interact with Apo-Clonidine?

There may be an interaction between clonidine and any of the following:

ACE inhibitors (e.g., ramipril, enalapril, lisinopril) alcohol alpha-blockers barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital) beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, metoprolol) calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil) chlorpromazine digoxin diuretics (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) epinephrine furosemide and other diuretics (water pills) MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine)

methylphenidate mirtazapine neuroleptics (e.g., haloperidol, fluphenazine) nitroprusside nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., indomethacin, naproxen, diclofenac) phentolamine prazosin pseudoephedrine rituximab tolazoline tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine)

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

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