Clonidine
Also sold as: Catapres
Prescription neededOther blood pressure medicines
Comes as:TabletInjection
Also sold as: Catapres
Usual adult dose: 50 to 100 micrograms three times a day, increased slowly as set by your doctor (maximum 1.2 mg a day). Never stop suddenly, because blood pressure can rise dangerously.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
Medicines that can react with this one.
Stopping clonidine while on a beta blocker can cause a severe rise in blood pressure; the beta blocker is stopped first.
Tricyclic antidepressants reduce the blood pressure effect of clonidine.
If clonidine is stopped while taking a beta blocker, blood pressure can rise sharply.
Imipramine can reduce the blood-pressure-lowering effect of clonidine.
Together they can cause low blood pressure and slow heartbeat.