Proper Use
Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
In addition to the use of this medicine, treatment for your high blood pressure may include weight control and changes in the types of foods you eat, especially foods high in sodium (salt). Your doctor will tell you which of these are most important for you. You should check with your doctor before changing your diet.
Many patients who have high blood pressure will not notice any signs of the problem. In fact, many may feel normal. It is very important that you take your medicine exactly as directed and that you keep your appointments with your doctor even if you feel well.
Remember that this medicine will not cure your high blood pressure but it does help control it. Therefore, you must continue to use it as directed if you expect to lower your blood pressure and keep it down. You may have to take high blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. If high blood pressure is not treated, it can cause serious problems such as heart failure, blood vessel disease, stroke, or kidney disease.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew it. You may take the tablet with or without food.
Clonidine extended-release tablets works differently than clonidine immediate-release tablets. Do not switch from the extended-release tablets to the immediate-release tablets unless your doctor tells you to.
For patients using the extended-release oral suspension:
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Shake the bottle well for 5 to 10 seconds before each use.
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Insert the adapter into the neck of the bottle.
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Insert the syringe tip into the adapter and turn the bottle upside down.
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Get the amount of medicine as prescribed by your doctor.
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Place the medicine directly into the mouth.
Use only the brand of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. Different brands may not work the same way.
This medicine usually comes with patient information leaflet. Read them carefully and make sure you understand them before taking this medicine. If you have any questions, ask your doctor.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
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For attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD):
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For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
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Teenagers and children 6 years of age and older—At first, 0.1 milligram (mg) once a day, given at bedtime. Your doctor will increase your dose as needed.
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Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For high blood pressure:
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For oral dosage form (extended-release suspension):
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Adults—At first, 0.17 milligram (mg) or 2 milliliter (mL) once a day, given at bedtime. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. The usual dose is 0.17 (2 mL) to 0.52 mg (6 mL) per day.
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Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
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Adults—At first, 0.17 milligram (mg) once a day, given at bedtime. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. The usual dose is 0.17 to 0.52 mg per day.
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Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For oral dosage form (tablets):
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Adults—0.1 milligram (mg) two times a day, taken in the morning and at bedtime. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. The usual dose is 0.2 mg to 0.6 mg per day, divided and given two times a day.
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Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
If you miss more than one dose of clonidine tablets, check with your doctor right away. If your body goes without this medicine for too long, your blood pressure may go up to a very high level and cause serious side effects.
If you miss a dose of clonidine extended-release tablets, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024
Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.