Catapres
(Clonidine)
Lowers blood pressure.
Our bottom line
Catapres (Clonidine) is a good addition if you need more than one medicine to control your blood pressure, but it has a lot of side effects. You can't miss doses.
- Drug class: Cardiovascular
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (clonidine)
Upsides
- Can be added to other blood pressure-lowering medicines if you need additional blood pressure control.
- Available in a weekly patch for people that aren't good at taking medicine by mouth.
- Works in the brain, so it can help treat some nervous system and psychiatric conditions.
- Under the brand name Kapvay, it's used to treat ADHD in children and teenagers.
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What to expect from Catapres, on one page
Download Fact Sheet
78Downsides
- Has a lot of side effects compared to other blood pressure-lowering medicine because it works in the brain.
- The pill form can make some people sleepy, dizzy, and have dry mouth.
- You can't miss doses. Stopping Clonidine suddenly can cause your blood pressure to go up suddenly, which raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.
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What to expect from Catapres, on one page
Download Fact SheetCatapres (Clonidine) is an alpha-2 agonist. It works in the brain to tell your blood vessels to relax, and it lowers the activity of certain stress hormones. This lowers blood pressure.
- Drug class: Cardiovascular
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (clonidine)
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Patch
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- CostcoGet free coupon$7.62
- Medicine ShoppeGet free coupon$7.62
What to expect when you take Catapres (Clonidine) for Lowers blood pressure
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Headache
Side effect rates for Catapres (Clonidine)
- Erythema / pruritis26%26%
- Dry mouth25%25%
- Drowsiness12%12%
- Localized vesiculation7%7%
- Fatigue6%6%
- Headache5%5%
- Allergic contact sensitization5%5%
- Hyperpigmentation5%5%
- Lethargy3%3%
- Sedation3%3%
- Edema3%3%
- Excoriation3%3%
- Burning3%3%
- Insomnia2%2%
- Dizziness2%2%
- Impotence/sexual dysfunction2%2%
- Dry throat2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Catapres.
People taking Catapres felt side effect more
People taking Catapres felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Catapres (Clonidine)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Sudden discontinuation of medicine
Stopping Catapres (Clonidine) suddenly can cause agitation, headache, tremors, or have a sudden rise of blood pressure that can result in complications. Catapres (Clonidine) should be stopped over 2-4 days with the guidance of a doctor. If using with a beta blocker medicine, slowly stop the beta blocker first before stopping Catapres (Clonidine).
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Common concerns from people taking Catapres (Clonidine)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. It hasn’t been properly studied in humans. The benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- Can cause drowsiness, headache, dizziness, and dry mouth.
- Not sureReviewed clonidineon 2/24/2018I hate the dry mouth and throat as well as the sleepiness. The Dr said the drowiness would go away but I've been on it for a few yrs and it still makes me sleepy. It works extremely well to lower my bp but I'm tired of the side effects.47WomanTwo years or moreWould rather not say
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed Catapreson 7/17/2017Even after months I'm still drowsy all the time. Caffeine doesn't help. Impossible to live this way.33WomanA few monthsHigh blood pressure
- Worth itSome hassleReviewed Catapreson 5/22/2017Drowsiness will pass... take it at night if you have too64WomanTwo years or moreHigh blood pressure