Clonidine is used on its own or together with other medicines to help keep your blood pressure under control.
This medicine may also be used on its own or together with other medicines to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children aged 6 years and above. ADHD is a behavioural condition characterised by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.
Clonidine may also be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Clonidine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Clonidine is available as a conventional tablet or oral solution and extended-release tablet or oral suspension. Do not change from one drug form to another without consulting your doctor first.
Your doctor will also discuss the use of this medicine as different brands and preparations of Clonidine may only be used for a specific condition.
If you are taking the extended-release type of tablet (usually labelled as "ER" or "XR"), swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew, or crush the tablet.
If you are taking the oral suspension, shake the bottle gently with a smooth up and down motion for at least 10 seconds before you take the medicine. Use the oral syringe provided to measure your dose.
If you have been given the oral solution, follow these steps:
- Open the bottle by pressing the cap and turning it counterclockwise.
- Use the measuring device (e.g. oral syringe) supplied with each bottle.
- To use the oral syringe, insert it into the perforated stopper and turn the bottle upside down.
- Fill the syringe with the appropriate dose.
- Administer the medicine directly from the oral syringe.
- Wash the oral syringe after use.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
Do not stop taking Clonidine suddenly as it may worsen your condition. Your doctor will gradually reduce the dose before stopping it completely. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
If you are taking the conventional tablet or oral solution, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
If you are taking the extended-release tablet or oral suspension, skip the missed dose and take the next dose in your normal scheduled time.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have a slow heart rate resulting from sick sinus syndrome (abnormal heart rhythms due to problems with your heart's natural pacemaker) or a 2nd- or 3rd-degree heart block as Clonidine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain
- Raynaud's disease (poor blood circulation which makes the toes and fingers numb and pale when feeling cold or stressed)
- peripheral vascular disease (narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels outside of the heart and brain causing poor blood circulation to the arms and legs)
- other heart disease or problems e.g. heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood), recent heart attack
- constipation
- polyneuropathy (multiple nerve damage that causes tingling, numbness, and pain usually in the hands and feet)
- history of depression
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Clonidine to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have certain blood tests, inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Your blood pressure may fall or rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help control your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity like walking for at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to stop your smoking habit.
Clonidine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.
Other side effects may include any of the following: dry mouth, constipation, nausea, vomiting, headache, tiredness, and difficulty sleeping.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- severe dizziness or passing out
- slow or abnormal heartbeat
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for high blood pressure e.g. propranolol, atenolol, diltiazem, prazosin
- water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. furosemide
- medicines to treat depression e.g. mirtazapine, imipramine
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. ibuprofen
- medicines that cause drowsiness or affect your concentration
- cardiac glycosides (medicines for heart failure) e.g. digoxin
- methylphenidate (other medicine for ADHD)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Clonidine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by Clonidine.
Cut down on your salt intake. This may help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Discuss with your doctor or dietitian about ways to cut down on your salt intake.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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