Generic Name: Alpha2 Agonists, Central-Acting, ADHD Agents
Brand Name: Catapres, Duraclon, Catapres-TTS, Jenloga, Kapvay
wikipedia.org
Popular medicines with Clonidine Hcl
-
Arkamin 100 Mcg$2.94 – $8.23
What is Clonidine Hcl
Clonidine Hcl is an FDA- approved drug used to treat Hypertension in adults and children. It belongs to central-alpha agonists group of medications.
Thus, it helps to reduce blood pressure. Your heart will beat more efficiently; further, the relaxed blood vessels can flow the blood efficiently.
Clonidine Hcl is also present in Arkamin 100 mcg, which is used to treat Hypertension.
What is Clonidine used for
Clonidine is an alpha-agonist. Clonidine lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow throughout the body by reducing heart rate and relaxing blood vessels.
Hypertension is when the blood exerts too much pressure on the arterial walls. High blood pressure is a common illness that, if left untreated, can harm the kidneys, brain, heart, blood vessels, and other organs.
Clonidine Hcl is also used to control the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Clonidine mechanism of action
Tablets containing Clonidine Hcl reduces blood pressure by lowering specific molecules in the blood. Clonidine, an alpha agonist, helps the brain reduce blood pressure.
It further permits the heart to beat gradually and smoothly and the blood vessels to relax. Hence, it helps in lowering blood pressure.
Clonidine dosage
Use Clonidine as instructed by your doctor. Never take it in more significant or fewer amounts or more frequently than directed by your doctor.
Do not split, chew, grind or crush the pills; instead, swallow them whole. Take it with or without food.
Taking Clonidine every day at roughly the same time is usually recommended.
Your doctor might prescribe you a low dose of Clonidine to start and then progressively increase it up to once per week.
Clonidine helps regulate Hypertension or other ADHD. Do not discontinue taking Clonidine without consulting your healthcare provider.
Clonidine side effects
Clonidine tablets might have some common to rare side effects, which include;
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Feeling worn out or agitated
- Oral aridity
- Constipation, appetite loss
- Insomnia
Rare side effects of Clonidine Hcl include;
- Allergic reactions, including rashes, itching, etc
- Severe breathing difficulties
- Irregular heartbeats, excruciating chest discomfort
Interactions
Clonidine interactions are rare. However, like every drug, it might interact with some food, disease, and medicines.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions might affect the effectiveness of your drug. Thus, it is recommended that you should not take Clonidine Hcl with drugs like:
- Chlorpropamide
- Acarbose
- Amitriptyline
- Amoxapine
Disease Interaction
It will help if you inform your healthcare provider about your medical history before taking pills containing Clonidine Hcl. Some diseases which might interact with this salt are as follows:
- Sluggish heartbeat
- Fainting spells
- Heart-related condition
- Pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor);
- Renal illness
Food Interactions
Clonidine shouldn’t be taken with the following foods and beverages:
- Alcohol
- High-sodium diet
- Fat-rich diet
What are the pros and cons of Clonidine
| Pros | Cons |
| It’s a doctor’s recommended medicine. It does not impact appetite. | Make you feel sleepy, drowsy, etc. |
| Efficient for the use of children. | It could result in Erectile Dysfunction. |
| It assists with sleep issues, not habit-forming medication. |
Precautions
Avoid driving and engaging in activities that require your alertness while taking this medicine, as it may make you feel sleepy and dizzy.
Before taking Clonidine Hcl, pregnant or nursing women should consult their doctors.
Storage
Clonidine Hcl should be relaxed, dry, and secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Clonidine Hcl used for?
Clonidine is an alpha-agonist. Clonidine lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow throughout the body by reducing heart rate and relaxing blood vessels.
Does Clonidine Hcl make you sleepy?
Some people may experience drowsiness or feel less alert when taking Clonidine. Sleepiness is more likely to occur when you start taking the medication or boost your dosage.
Is Clonidine the same as Klonopin?
A central alpha agonist that reduces blood pressure is Clonidine. in the brain. This drug treats high blood pressure alone or with others.
As a member of the Antianxiety Agents, Anxiolytics, Benzodiazepines, Anticonvulsants, and Benzodiazepine class of drugs, Klonopin requires a prescription. Klonopin is used to treat the symptoms of panic disorder and seizures.
How quickly does Clonidine work?
The mean drop in systolic blood pressure of 51 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure of 30 mm Hg, Clonidine successfully decreased diastolic blood pressure in 79% of the patients within four hours.
Does Clonidine cause weight gain?
There have been occasional reports of weight gain in Clonidine oral tablets.
However, it’s possible that these individuals were also on other blood pressure medications. Hence, it’s unclear if Clonidine contributed to the weight increase.
Consult your doctor if you experience unexpected weight gain while taking Clonidine.
What drugs should not be taken with Clonidine?
Drug interactions might affect the effectiveness of your drug. Thus, it is recommended that you should not take Clonidine Hcl with drugs like; Chlorpropamide, Acarbose, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine, etc.
References