Clonidine

There is limited information about the effects of this medicine in human pregnancy but your doctor may give you this medicine only if it is really needed and the advantage outweighs the risk. Clonidine can reach your baby and may lower your baby's heart rate. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.

Clonidine is not recommended for use while breastfeeding as it passes in breast milk. You should consult your doctor before using this medicine during breastfeeding.

You may feel drowsy, dizzy or could have some disturbances of vision while taking Clonidine. Hence, you should not drive or take part in any activities where these may put you or others at risk.

You may feel drowsy or sleepy while taking Clonidine. You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Clonidine as it can worsen the condition.

Clonidine use may slow the heart rate. The use of Clonidine along with other blood pressure-lowering agents may further increase such effects. Reports of pacemaker insertion have been observed in association with the use of Clonidine concomitantly with Verapamil or Diltiazem. You should inform your doctor if you are using a pacemaker.

Yes, do not stop taking Clonidine without talking to your doctor. If you have been using this medicine for a long time, you may feel agitated when you stop taking it. It is called 'withdrawal effect'.

Take Clonidine as per the advice of your doctor. Do not change the dose without consulting your doctor.

Clonidine belongs to a group of medicines that decrease high blood pressure. It is used to treat high blood pressure.

No, it would be best if you do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor. If you stop this medication suddenly, you may suffer from severe heart and blood pressure related problems. Your doctor will decrease your dose gradually over weeks before stopping it.

If you are taking this medicine, in the initial few days, you may experience low blood pressure episodes such as lightheadedness and giddiness. Drink adequate water and ask your doctor about your salt intake. Inform your doctor if you have vomiting or diarrhoea. If you experience giddiness and lightheadedness, immediately lie down.

Yes, your doctor may advise you a low-salt or low-sodium diet. Follow these directions carefully.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure is known to cause serious complications in several body parts. It can cause heart failure, kidney damage and bleeding in the brain and eyes.

Limit intake of salt in the diet, especially pickles and packaged foods like chips contain excess salt and should be avoided. Ask your doctor whether you need to limit potassium-containing foods like spinach, broccoli or banana. Limit meat intake. Instead of having packaged snacks, prefer fresh cut fruits as they are rich in vitamins and fibre.

Weight gain is not a common side-effect of Clonidine. There may be varied physiological responses depending on the individual medical condition. It is advised that you should consult your doctor if you experience weight gain.

Beta-blockers are medicines used to lower blood pressure. Beta-blockers and Clonidine may lower blood pressure. Taking these medicines together may lead to low blood pressure, slow heartbeat, headache and dizziness and sometimes even make you faint.

Some patients may experience drowsiness on taking Clonidine. Thus, if you become dizzy or drowsy after the medicine, take rest and avoid doing activities that need mental alertness, like driving.

No, it is not a diuretic.

You should take this medicine for as long as prescribed by the doctor. It is usually prescribed for a long duration, maybe for weeks to several months, depending upon the medical condition. However, if you do not feel any improvement in your condition, do not exceed the prescribed duration without consulting a doctor.

Clonidine starts working within 2 hours of its oral intake. However, it may take a few weeks to notice its full effect. Even after taking it for a week, if you do not feel any improvement or experience troublesome side effects, consult your doctor.

Take Clonidine as directed by your doctor for the exact prescribed duration. You can take this medicine with or without meals. Consuming more than the prescribed amount might result in increased side effects, while consuming less than the prescribed amount results in treatment failure.