Clonidine
(Redirected from Catapres)
| Drug monograph · NCLEX study reference | |
| Trade names | Catapres |
|---|---|
| Therapeutic class | Antihypertensive |
| Pharmacologic class | Central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist |
| Onset / peak / duration | PO onset 30 to 60 minutes; patch provides 7-day effect. |
| Half-life / level | Half-life 12 to 16 hours; no routine level. |
| Routes | PO (oral), Transdermal |
| High-alert (ISMP) | No |
| Black box warning | None |
| Antidote / reversal | Supportive care; reintroduce drug for rebound hypertension. |
| Pregnancy / lactation | Use only if clearly needed. |
Nursing pharmacology study reference (NCLEX-style monograph). Numeric values are standard teaching ranges for study and must be verified against current manufacturer labeling before clinical use. This is educational content, not prescribing guidance.
Clonidine (brand name Catapres) — Antihypertensive; Central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist.
Identification
- Therapeutic class: Antihypertensive.
- Pharmacologic class: Central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist.
Pharmacology
- Mechanism of action: Stimulates central alpha-2 receptors, reducing sympathetic outflow and lowering blood pressure and heart rate.
- Onset / peak / duration: PO onset 30 to 60 minutes; patch provides 7-day effect.
- Half-life / therapeutic level: Half-life 12 to 16 hours; no routine level.
Clinical use
- Indications: Hypertension, ADHD, opioid withdrawal, tic disorders.
- Usual dose, route, frequency: 0.1 to 0.3 mg PO twice daily; transdermal patch weekly.
- Maximum dose / adjustments: Up to about 2.4 mg/day; taper to discontinue.
Safety
- Contraindications: Hypersensitivity; caution with bradycardia.
- Black box warning: None (the epidural injectable form carries one, but the oral and patch forms do not).
- Interactions: Beta blockers (rebound hypertension risk if stopped together), central nervous system depressants, tricyclic antidepressants (reduced effect).
- Pregnancy / lactation: Use only if clearly needed.
- High-alert: No.
Adverse effects
- Common side effects: Drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, bradycardia.
- Serious effects to report: Rebound hypertension on abrupt withdrawal, severe bradycardia.
- Antidote / reversal: Supportive care; reintroduce drug for rebound hypertension.
Nursing process
- Assessment before administration: Blood pressure, heart rate.
- Interventions during therapy: Never stop abruptly; rotate patch sites.
- Monitor: Blood pressure, heart rate.
- Evaluation / expected outcome: Controlled blood pressure.
Patient teaching
- Patient teaching: Do not stop suddenly; sedation and dry mouth are common.
- Notify provider if: Sudden severe headache or blood pressure spike, very slow heartbeat.
- Administration tips: Apply patch to clean, hairless skin; rotate sites; bedtime oral dose reduces daytime sedation.