Clonidine Transdermal patch - weekly

What is this medicine?

CLONIDINE (KLOE ni deen) is used to treat high blood pressure.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for external use only. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Apply the patch to an area of the upper arm or part of the body that is clean, dry and hairless. Avoid injured, irritated, calloused, or scarred areas. Use a different site each time to prevent skin irritation. Do not cut or trim the patch. One patch should last for 7 days. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop using except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional. You must gradually reduce the dose or you may get a dangerous increase in blood pressure.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• anxiety, nervousness

• chest pain

• depression

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• swelling of feet or legs

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• change in sex drive or performance

• constipation

• headache

• skin redness, irritation, or darkening under the patch area

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures like phenobarbital

• certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat

• certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

• prescription pain medicines

What if I miss a dose?

Replace each patch on the same day of each week, or if the patch falls off. If you do forget to change the patch for two or three days, check with your doctor or health care professional.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to clonidine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your heart rate should be and when you should contact him or her.

You can shower or bathe with the skin patch in position. If the patch gets loose, cover it with the extra adhesive overlay provided.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To avoid dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older person. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.

If you are going to have surgery tell your doctor or health care professional that you are using this medicine.

If you are going to have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure, tell your MRI technician if you have this patch on your body. It must be removed before a MRI.