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Clonidine Coupon - Clonidine 0.1mg tablet

clonidine

Generic Catapres-TTS
Used for Hypertension
Used for Hypertension

Clonidine is a prescription medication that can be used to treat high blood pressure. It comes in 3 forms: topical patch, immediate-release tablet, and extended-release tablet. Clonidine usually isn't a first-choice option to treat high blood pressure because it can cause "rebound hypertension" (sudden rise in blood pressure) when the medication is suddenly stopped. Clonidine also isn't recommended for older adults since it can raise the risk for falls.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Ally Tsai, PharmD
reviewer
Connie Zheng, PharmD
Last reviewed on January 5, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Clonidine?

What is Clonidine used for?

  • High blood pressure

How Clonidine works

Clonidine is a type of medication called alpha agonist. It works in the brain to lower the activity of stress hormones, such as norepinephrine. By doing so, clonidine slows down your heart rate and relaxes your blood vessels. This allows for blood to easily flow throughout the body and brings down blood pressure.

Are you looking for information on clonidine ER (Kapvay) for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsCatapres-TTS, Nexiclon XR
Drug ClassAlpha agonist
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$11.11(save 75.34%)
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$2.74
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What are the side effects of Clonidine?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

The following side effects are those reported with immediate-release clonidine:
  • Dry mouth (40%)
  • Drowsiness (33%)
  • Dizziness (16%)
  • Constipation (10%)
  • Feeling low energy (10%)
Please note: Side effects for Nexiclon XR are similar to that of immediate-release clonidine
The following side effects are those reported with clonidine patch:
  • Itchy rash (26%)
  • Dry mouth (25%)
  • Drowsiness (12%)
  • Blisters (7%)
  • Feeling tired (6%)
  • Headache (5%)
  • Skin becomes darker (5%)

Other Side Effects

  • Skin swelling, burning, or pain (clonidine patch)
  • Feeling sluggish
  • Feeling low energy
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Difficulty with sex
  • Dizziness
  • Sore throat
  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Changes in taste
  • Nervousness
  • Fever

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Dangerously high blood pressure (from withdrawals): Nervousness, agitation, headache, tremor, feeling delirious, sudden confusion, trouble speaking, seizures
When do Clonidine possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Dry mouth
Drowsiness
Dizziness

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Mental depression

swelling of the feet and lower legs

Rare

Anxiety

blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin

chest pain or discomfort

confusion as to time, place, or person

decreased urine output

dilated neck veins

drowsiness

dry mouth

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

fever

general feeling of discomfort or illness

holding false beliefs that cannot be changed by fact

hyperventilation

irregular breathing

irritability

itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

mental depression

paleness or cold feeling in the fingertips and toes

pounding, slow heartbeat

problems in urination or increase in the amount of urine

raised red swellings on the skin, lips, tongue, or in the throat

restlessness

seeing or hearing things that are not there

shaking

shortness of breath

skin rash

swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs

tightness in the chest

tingling or pain in the fingers or toes when exposed to cold

trouble with sleeping

troubled breathing

unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness

unusual tiredness or weakness

vivid dreams or nightmares

weight gain

wheezing

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Dizziness (extreme) or faintness

feeling cold

pinpoint pupils of the eyes

unusual tiredness or weakness (extreme)

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Constipation

Less common

Darkening of the skin

decreased sexual ability

dry, itching, or burning eyes

loss of appetite

nausea or vomiting

Rare

Blurred vision

decreased interest in sexual intercourse

hair loss or thinning of the hair

inability to have or keep an erection

leg cramps

loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

muscle or joint pain

pale skin

swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males

weakness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Clonidine

thumbs-up

Pros

Can be take along with other other blood pressure medications to help manage blood pressure

Available in a once-weekly patch for people who can't take medicine by mouth

Immediate-release tablets and patches available as lower-cost generics

thumbs-down

Cons

Taking it with alcohol can cause excessive sleepiness

Can raise the risk for falls in older adults

Can cause dangerously high blood pressure if stopped too suddenly or if a dose is missed

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Clonidine

pharmacist

  • How to apply clonidine patches: Wash and dry your hands, then take off the adhesive liner on the back of the patch. Make sure the skin is clean and dry where you're applying the patch. Press the patch down firmly to make sure all edges are sticking. Wash your hands after application to prevent accidentally exposing others to the medication.

    • You can wear your clonidine patch while showering, bathing, or swimming.

      • The clonidine patch also comes with an adhesive cover that's meant to be placed over the patch if it ever becomes loose. This adhesive cover doesn't contain any medication.

        • You might experience application site reactions — such as rash, itching, and swelling — on your skin where you applied clonidine patches. If you experience these reactions with clonidine patches, you're also likely to experience them with clonidine tablets. Let your provider know right away if you have allergic reactions to this medication.

          • If you have heart problems (e.g., heart attack, stroke) or kidney problems, let your provider know before starting clonidine. Your provider might need to raise your dose of clonidine more slowly to make sure this medication is safe for you.

            • Before starting any new medications, let your provider know. They can help you check to make sure it's safe to take those medications with clonidine or let you know what possible side effects to watch out for. Clonidine can interact with certain medications, such as certain blood pressure or mood medications.

              • Don't drive a car or operate machinery until you know how clonidine affects you. Avoid taking clonidine with alcohol since this combination can lead to excessive sleepiness.

                • If you have a surgery scheduled, your provider might ask you to temporarily stop clonidine tablets 28 hours before the operation. Your surgical team will monitor your blood pressure during the surgery to make sure it doesn't rise too high.

                  • Clonidine patches contain aluminum and can cause skin burn during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Consider other forms of imaging, such as ultrasound or X-ray, if you have recently applied a new patch. Talk with a provider or radiologist about your medication history before getting any testing done.

                    faqs

                    Frequently asked questions about Clonidine

                    Where can I apply clonidine patches?
                    You can apply clonidine patches to clean, dry, and hairless areas of skin on your upper outer arm or chest. Don't apply the patch to areas where you just put on lotion or cream, or to skin that's bruised, red, irritated, or cut. If you've already used an area of skin, choose a different area for the next week so that your skin won't get as irritated.
                    Will clonidine affect my vision?
                    Some people who took clonidine reported dry eye as a side effect. Others have reported blurry vision or a burning sensation in the eyes. If you notice changes to your vision or other eye problems, let your provider know. They might recommend eye drops for your eyes or talk with you about other blood pressure medication options.
                    Can I use clonidine if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
                    It's not clear whether clonidine is safe to use in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Clonidine hasn’t been studied in pregnant people, but animal studies suggest that this medication might weaken bones in pregnant mothers. In addition, clonidine can pass into breastmilk. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your provider so you can discuss the risks of taking clonidine.
                    What's the difference between Nexiclon XR and Kapvay?
                    Nexiclon XR and Kapvay are both medications that contain extended-release clonidine. But they are not interchangeable, meaning you can't replace one with another. The main difference between the two medications is what each medication is used for. Nexiclon XR is approved to treat high blood pressure, while Kapvay is approved to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Please note that Nexiclon XR for blood pressure is only available as a brand-name product, while Kapvay for ADHD is available as both brand-name and generic tablets.
                    Does clonidine help with hot flashes?
                    Clonidine is only FDA-approved to lower high blood pressure. But some studies show that it can help ease hot flashes and night sweats. If you have questions about how well clonidine works for hot flashes, discuss with your provider.
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                    What are the risks and warnings for Clonidine?

                    Clonidine can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                    risk-warning

                    Withdrawal

                    • Risk factors: Taking clonidine with beta-blockers | Taking higher doses of clonidine

                      Stopping clonidine too suddenly can lead to side effects, such as high blood pressure, nervousness, agitation, headache, and tremor. Sometimes these symptoms can be life-threatening. Your risk is higher if you're taking a higher dose of clonidine or if you're also taking beta-blockers, such as carvedilol (Coreg). Don't stop clonidine without first talking to your provider. If you need to stop this medication, your provider can help you lower your dose slowly over time.

                      If you or your child have stomach problems that result in frequent vomiting, talk with your provider. Vomiting can prevent your body from absorbing clonidine tablets, which puts you at higher risk of withdrawal symptoms.

                      risk-warning

                      Sleepiness and dizziness

                      • Risk factors: Using alcohol | Taking other medications that cause drowsiness

                        Clonidine can cause you to be sleepy or dizzy, which can raise your risk for falls. The risk for these side effects is higher if you drink alcohol or if you take medications that make you drowsy, such as opioids, sleep medications, or certain antidepressants. Don't drive a car or operate machinery right after using this medication. If you experience symptoms such as lightheadedness, confusion, dizziness, or excessive drowsiness, get medical attention right away.

                        risk-warning

                        Heart problem

                        • Risk factors: Older adults| Also taking other medications that slow the heart

                          There have been reports that clonidine can cause heart beat or rhythm problems. The risk is higher if you're taking other medications that also slow heart rate (e.g., diltiazem (Cardizem), verapamil). Your provider might monitor your heart rate while you are taking clonidine with these medications to make sure they are safe for you. Talk to your provider if you frequently feel dizzy, tired, or run out of breath easily after using clonidine.

                          risk-warning

                          Skin reactions (clonidine patches)

                          Let your provider know right away if you notice a skin reaction, such as rashes or blisters, after you apply the clonidine patch. Depending on how serious the reaction is, your provider might switch you to a different medication.

                          Make sure to remove your clonidine patch before getting a magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI). Not doing so can result in skin burns.

                          dosage

                          Clonidine dosage forms

                          The average cost for 30 tablets of 0.1mg of Clonidine is $2.74 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 75.34% off the average retail price of $11.11.
                          carton
                          Carton
                          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                          4 patches of 0.1mg per day1 carton$36.00$36.00
                          4 patches of 0.2mg per day1 carton$42.70$42.70
                          4 patches of 0.3mg per day1 carton$51.16$51.16
                          patch
                          Patch
                          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                          0.1mg per day1 patch$12.64$12.64
                          0.2mg per day4 patches$42.70$10.68
                          0.3mg per day30 patches$51.16$1.71
                          tablet
                          Tablet
                          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                          0.1mg30 tablets$2.74$0.09
                          0.2mg30 tablets$3.38$0.11
                          0.3mg30 tablets$3.30$0.11

                          Typical dosing for Clonidine

                          Immediate-release tablets

                          • The typical starting dose is 0.1 mg by mouth twice daily. Your provider might raise your dose weekly, depending on how your body responds to this medication. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 0.2 mg to 0.6 mg daily, but taken in divided doses throughout the day.

                          Extended-release tablets (Nexiclon XR)

                          • The typical starting dose is 0.17 mg by mouth once daily. Your provider might raise your dose weekly, depending on how your body responds to this medication. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 0.17 mg to 0.52 mg once daily.

                          Patches (Catapres‑TTS)

                          • The typical starting dose is to apply one 0.1 mg patch onto the skin once weekly. Your provider might raise your dose every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on how your body responds to this medication. The maximum recommended dose is to apply two 0.3 mg patches once weekly.

                          Your dose might be different if you have kidney problems.

                          interactions

                          Interactions between Clonidine and other drugs

                          Clonidine may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Clonidine. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                          Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                          Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                          drug-cost

                          How much does Clonidine cost?

                          To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                          Catapres-TTS (brand)
                          GoodRx lowest price

                          $2.74

                          (save 99.91%)
                          Clonidine (generic)
                          GoodRx lowest price

                          $2.74

                          (save 75.34%)
                          View prices & coupons
                          alternatives

                          What are alternatives to Clonidine?

                          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Clonidine. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                          Clonidine
                          Used for:

                          • High blood pressure

                          $2.74 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          Hydralazine
                          Used for:
                          $4.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          Prazosin (Minipress)
                          Used for:
                          $12.40 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          latest news

                          What is the latest news about Clonidine?

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                          If you take clonidine (Catapres) for high blood pressure, it’s best to avoid alcohol and use caution with beta blockers like metoprolol. See more clonidine interactions here.

                          7 Clonidine Interactions You Should Know About

                          If you take clonidine (Catapres) for high blood pressure, it’s best to avoid alcohol and use caution with beta blockers like metoprolol. See more clonidine interactions here.
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                          images

                          Clonidine images

                          Orange Round Logo 127 - Clonidine Hydrochloride 0.1mg Tablet
                          This medicine is Orange, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Logo 127".Orange Round Logo 127 - Clonidine Hydrochloride 0.1mg Tablet
                          White Round Mylan 152 - Clonidine Hydrochloride 0.1mg Tablet
                          This medicine is White, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Mylan 152".White Round Mylan 152 - Clonidine Hydrochloride 0.1mg Tablet
                          White Round U 135 - Clonidine Hydrochloride 0.1mg Tablet
                          This medicine is White, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "U 135".White Round U 135 - Clonidine Hydrochloride 0.1mg Tablet
                          White Round U 135 - Clonidine Hydrochloride 0.1mg Tablet
                          This medicine is White, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "U 135".White Round U 135 - Clonidine Hydrochloride 0.1mg Tablet
                          White Round U 135 - Clonidine Hydrochloride 0.1mg Tablet
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                          White Round U 135 - Clonidine Hydrochloride 0.1mg Tablet
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                          White Oval V And 25 41 - Clonidine Hydrochloride 0.1mg Tablet
                          This medicine is White, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "V" And "25 41".White Oval V And 25 41 - Clonidine Hydrochloride 0.1mg Tablet
                          White Oval V And 25 41 - Clonidine Hydrochloride 0.1mg Tablet
                          This medicine is White, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "V" And "25 41".White Oval V And 25 41 - Clonidine Hydrochloride 0.1mg Tablet
                          Yellow Round Mp 657 - Clonidine Hydrochloride 0.1mg Tablet
                          This medicine is Yellow, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Mp 657".Yellow Round Mp 657 - Clonidine Hydrochloride 0.1mg Tablet
                          Pink Round Ys 01 - Clonidine Hydrochloride 0.1mg Tablet
                          This medicine is Pink, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Ys 01".Pink Round Ys 01 - Clonidine Hydrochloride 0.1mg Tablet
                          Tan Oval L 167 - Clonidine Hydrochloride 0.1mg Tablet
                          This medicine is Tan, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "L 167".Tan Oval L 167 - Clonidine Hydrochloride 0.1mg Tablet
                          Orange Round Logo 127 - Clonidine Hydrochloride 0.1mg Tablet
                          This medicine is Orange, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Logo 127".Orange Round Logo 127 - Clonidine Hydrochloride 0.1mg Tablet
                          Orange Round Logo 127 - Clonidine Hydrochloride 0.1mg Tablet
                          This medicine is Orange, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Logo 127".Orange Round Logo 127 - Clonidine Hydrochloride 0.1mg Tablet

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                          References

                          Best studies we found

                          Athena Bioscience, LLC. (2022). NEXICLON XR- clonidine tablet, extended release [package insert]. DailyMed.

                          Aurobindo Pharma Limited. (2022). CLONIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                          Carroll, D. G., et al. (2006). Nonhormonal Therapies for Hot Flashes in Menopause. American Family Physician.

                          View All References (2)

                          Dollery, C.T., et al. (1976). Clinical pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of clonidine. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics.

                          Technomed Inc. (2023). CATAPRES-TTS-1- clonidine transdermal system patch  CATAPRES-TTS-2- clonidine transdermal system patch  CATAPRES-TTS-3- clonidine transdermal system patch [package insert]. DailyMed.

                          GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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