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, USP are oral antihypertensive tablets used to treat hypertension. They may be used alone or together with other blood pressure medicines.

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

Do not stop clonidine suddenly without talking with a healthcare professional, because abrupt stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms and a rapid rise in blood pressure. The label also warns that clonidine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and other side effects.

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.
• Abrupt stopping can cause nervousness, agitation, headache, tremor, and a rapid rise in blood pressure.
• Clonidine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or accommodation disorder; use caution when driving or using machinery.
• Alcohol, barbiturates, and other sedating drugs may increase clonidineu2019s sedative effects.
• Dry mouth is common; the label also notes dry eyes may occur, especially in people who wear contact lenses.
• Report symptoms such as severe slowing of the pulse, fainting, or unusual heart rhythm concerns to a healthcare professional.
• Tell your prescriber about all medicines you take, including beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, digitalis, tricyclic antidepressants, neuroleptics, and sedating drugs.
• If clonidine is used around surgery, the label says it should be continued to within four hours of surgery and resumed as soon as possible afterward.
• Seek urgent help for possible overdose symptoms such as severe sleepiness, slow breathing, low heart rate, or very small pupils.

Helpful Patient Education

Clonidine hydrochloride tablets, USP are oral prescription antihypertensive tablets used in the treatment of hypertension. According to the label, clonidine may be used by itself or with other antihypertensive agents, and its blood pressure-lowering effect can begin within 30 to 60 minutes after an oral dose.

This product information page is based on DailyMed labeling and includes key use, safety, dosing, and storage information for clonidine hydrochloride tablets. Common labeled adverse effects include dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, and sedation, and the label warns not to stop therapy abruptly without medical guidance.

Medication Summary last generated: 2026-07-17 02:58:23