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

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 are available in 0.1 mg, 0.2 mg, and 0.3 mg strengths, and they may be used alone or with other antihypertensive medicines.

The label says clonidine works by stimulating alpha-adrenoreceptors in the brain stem, which lowers sympathetic nerve outflow and helps reduce blood pressure and heart rate. Blood pressure can begin to decline within 30 to 60 minutes after an oral dose, with the greatest effect in 2 to 4 hours.

Do not stop taking clonidine suddenly without consulting the prescriber, because abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms and a rapid rise in blood pressure. The label also notes that clonidine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth, and that alcohol or other sedating drugs can increase the sedative effect.

Storage Information

Store at 20oto 25oC (68o to 77oF) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Key Counseling Points

• Take clonidine exactly as prescribed for blood pressure control.
• Do not stop clonidine suddenly; abrupt stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms and a rapid increase in blood pressure.
• If clonidine needs to be stopped, the label says the dose should be reduced gradually over 2 to 4 days.
• Clonidine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or accommodation disorder, so be careful with driving or operating machinery.
• Alcohol, barbiturates, and other sedating drugs may increase the sedative effect.
• Dry mouth is common; the label also notes dry eyes may occur, especially in contact lens wearers.
• Tell a clinician if you develop signs of low heart rate, fainting, or other concerning symptoms listed in the label.
• The label notes that the medicine should be continued to within four hours of surgery and resumed as soon as possible afterward, as directed by the prescriber.
• Take special care if you have kidney problems, since the label says patients with renal impairment may need a lower initial dose and monitoring.

Helpful Patient Education

Clonidine hydrochloride tablets, USP are prescription oral tablets used for the treatment of hypertension. The label describes clonidine as a centrally acting alpha-agonist antihypertensive medicine available in 0.1 mg, 0.2 mg, and 0.3 mg strengths. It may be used alone or with other blood pressure medicines.

Educational information on the label also highlights important safety points, including the risk of withdrawal symptoms if the medicine is stopped suddenly, possible drowsiness or dizziness, and the need to follow dosing instructions carefully. This product is supplied as a scored tablet in a light-resistant container.

Medication Summary last generated: 2026-07-17 02:58:01