Clonidine 0.1 mg Immediate Release Tablets — Generic For Catapres — TEVA

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 prescription medicine used to treat high blood pressure. The tablets may be used alone or together with other blood pressure medicines.

This medicine works by acting on the brain stem to reduce signals from the nervous system, which can lower peripheral resistance, heart rate, and blood pressure. Blood pressure may begin to fall within 30 to 60 minutes after a dose, with the largest effect usually seen in 2 to 4 hours.

Clonidine should not be stopped suddenly. The label warns that abrupt discontinuation can cause nervousness, agitation, headache, tremor, and a rapid rise in blood pressure, and rare serious outcomes have been reported. Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and constipation are among the more common side effects.

Storage Information

Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP. Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Key Counseling Points

• Take clonidine exactly as prescribed and do not stop it suddenly without medical advice.
• This medicine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision or accommodation problems.
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or doing activities that require alertness.
• Alcohol, barbiturates, and other sedating drugs can increase the sedative effects of clonidine.
• Dry mouth is common; patients who wear contact lenses may also notice dry eyes.
• Common side effects reported with clonidine include constipation, sedation, and dizziness.
• The label warns not to discontinue clonidine abruptly because blood pressure may rise quickly.
• Tell a healthcare professional about all medicines being taken, especially beta-blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, digitalis, calcium channel blockers, and other sedating medicines.
• If clonidine is used around surgery, the label says it should be continued up to within 4 hours of surgery and restarted as soon as possible afterward.
• Report suspected adverse events as directed by the product label or FDA reporting channels.

Helpful Patient Education

Clonidine hydrochloride tablets, USP are prescription oral tablets indicated for the treatment of hypertension. According to the label, clonidine may be used alone or with other antihypertensive agents, and its blood pressure-lowering effect begins relatively quickly after an oral dose.

Educational label information for clonidine also notes important safety considerations, including the risk of withdrawal symptoms and rebound hypertension if the medicine is stopped suddenly. Commonly reported adverse effects include dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, and sedation.

Medication Summary last generated: 2026-06-19 13:00:19