Clonidine

Labeled as an adrenergic agonist, Clonidine has been marketed and used by people suffering from hypertension or high blood pressure. It is used both orally and topically to balance the pressure of blood, making it truly antihypertensive. But regardless of that, there are also several other medical conditions that this prescription medication is capable of treating. Want to know these conditions and Clonidine’s other basics? Read on.

Prescribed For: As mentioned, Clonidine is an antihypertensive drug. With that, it’s no wonder for doctors to prescribe it to treat high blood pressure. Well, it works to treat this condition by lowering the levels of a number of chemicals in the blood, then bringing the veins and arteries to their most relaxed state. They widen and as a result, the heart beats easily and slowly.

There is more to its use than what is said. Fact is, several experts in the medical industry are now recommending the drug Clonidine to relieve symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. There are also several claims stating that this drug will work perfectly to aid opiate and methadone detoxification, hence the associations between opiate withdrawal and Clonidine is highly maintained.

The list continues to include other uses of this prescription drug including, diabetic diarrhea, menopausal flushing, ulcerative colitis, Tourette’s Syndrome, postherpetic neuralgia, and pheochromocytoma.

Note: Doctors may also recommend this medication to treat other conditions not listed above. So talk to your doctor first before taking a dose of it.

Dosage: Clonidine typically comes in the form of tablet. The tablet is given twice a day. However, if you take it topically, you will be given with patches that are designed to be applied to a hairless part of the skin, either on the torso or upper part of the arm. These patches should be applied once every week. When using a new patch for another session, another hairless part of the body must be considered.

Make sure not to stop abruptly with the treatment since the problem may only continue to occur once used that way. Continue using it even after the desired result is achieved. To obtain the best results, make sure to consult to your doctor.

Side Effects: There are a number of side effects associated with the use of Clonidine. The most persistent of these Clonidine side effects are dry mouth, tiredness, constipation, lethargy, as well as drowsiness. Symptoms like headache, fatigue, dizziness and weakness may also develop as a result of the intake. Well, those who may feel these symptoms may notice that they subside with a continued therapy, or if the doses of this prescription medication drug is lowered. Whatever is the solution, make sure that it is approved by your doctor.

The other side effects of Clonidine are itching, skin darkening, and flushing. These skin imperfections, however, may appear when patches are used for treatment. Other than that, there are several researches noting decreased sexual desire, impotence, and ejaculatory dysfunction developing days after the treatment. And, in case you are wondering about severe symptoms, the list may include rebound hypertension, nervousness, heart palpitations, nausea, abdominal and muscle pain, severe headaches, increase salivation, sweating, anxiety, and agitation. These severe side effects will only disappear once the doses of Clonidine drug are reduced.

Proper Storage: To make the medicine more potent in treating hypertension, Clonidine must be stored properly at a room temperature. When storing it, make sure that it is out of children’s reach. Keep it away from direct light and heat. If you have taken a medication that is outdated, ignore it and look for a new one. Finally, follow everything that is directed by your specialist.