This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Catapres is an alpha agonist. It works by relaxing blood vessels and decreasing heart rate, which lowers blood pressure. Catapres is used for treating high blood pressure. It may be used alone or with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to Take

The usual starting dose for adults is 0.1 milligram, twice a day (usually in the morning and at bedtime). The regular dose of Catapres is determined by increasing the daily dose by 0.1 milligram at weekly intervals until the desired response is achieved. A larger portion of the increased dose can be taken at bedtime to reduce potential side effects of drowsiness and dry mouth that may appear when you begin taking Catapres. The most common effective dosages range from 0.2 milligram to 0.6 milligram per day divided into smaller doses. The maximum effective dose is 2.4 milligrams per day; however, this dose is not usually prescribed.

Warning and Precautions

Catapres may cause drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Catapres with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Catapres may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.

Talk to your doctor before using alcohol or medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Catapres; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Catapres before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.

If you have high blood pressure, do not use nonprescription products that contain stimulants. These products may include diet pills or cold medicines. Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

If you experience dry mouth, use sugarless candy or gum, or melt bits of ice in your mouth to help keep your mouth moist.

Do not suddenly stop taking Catapres without talking to your doctor. Nervousness, agitation, confusion, tremor, and headache may occur. These may be followed by a rapid, severe rise in blood pressure. You may be at greater risk if you use high doses or if you also take a beta-blocker (eg, propranolol). If you need to stop taking Catapres , follow your doctor's instructions for slowly decreasing your dose.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Symptoms of Catapres overdose may include: constriction of pupils of the eye, drowsiness, high blood pressure followed by a drop in pressure, irritability, low body temperature, slowed breathing, slowed heartbeat, slowed reflexes, weakness. Large overdoses can cause changes in heart function or rhythm, coma, seizures, and temporary interruptions in breathing. Getting a patch in the mouth or swallowing one can cause an overdose. If you suspect symptoms of a Catapres overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Storage

Store Catapres at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Catapres out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

More common side effects may include: agitation, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, impotence, loss of sex drive, nausea, nervousness, sedation (calm), vomiting, weakness.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Catapres. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.