Clonidine 0.2 mg Immediate Release Tablets — Generic For Catapres — Method Pharma

Medication Summary

Medication Summary: This section summarizes DailyMed drug label information to make the label easier to understand. It is not a substitute for the official label, pharmacist counseling, prescriber instructions, or medical advice.

Overview

Clonidine hydrochloride tablets are a prescription medicine used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). They may be used alone or together with other antihypertensive medicines.

This medicine works on alpha-adrenoreceptors in the brain stem and can lower blood pressure and heart rate. Blood pressure may begin to fall within 30 to 60 minutes after a dose, with the biggest effect in 2 to 4 hours.

Do not stop taking clonidine without talking with the prescribing clinician. Sudden stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms and a rapid rise in blood pressure.

Storage Information

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C-30°C (59°F-86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Key Counseling Points

• Take clonidine exactly as prescribed and do not stop it suddenly.
• If clonidine needs to be stopped, the dose should be reduced gradually under medical supervision.
• Clonidine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and trouble with accommodation; use caution with driving or operating machinery.
• Alcohol, barbiturates, and other sedating drugs can increase clonidineu2019s sedative effects.
• Dry mouth is common; some patients also report constipation, sedation, or dizziness.
• Tell a clinician about all other medicines, especially beta-blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, neuroleptics, digitalis, calcium channel blockers, and other sedating drugs.
• Use caution if you have a history of slow heart rate or conduction problems, since clonidine can worsen these conditions.
• If you wear contact lenses, clonidine may cause dryness of the eyes.
• Tell a clinician if you are pregnant or nursing, since the label says clonidine crosses the placenta and is excreted in human milk.
• Children may be especially vulnerable to withdrawal problems if they cannot take the medicine because of vomiting or illness.

Helpful Patient Education

Clonidine hydrochloride tablets are a prescription oral antihypertensive used for the treatment of hypertension. The label describes clonidine as a centrally acting alpha-agonist that lowers blood pressure and can be used alone or with other antihypertensive agents.

Commonly reported adverse effects include dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, and sedation. The label also warns against sudden discontinuation because blood pressure can rise quickly and withdrawal symptoms may occur.

Medication Summary last generated: 2026-07-10 03:02:34