CLONIDINE - EPIDURAL

CLONIDINE - EPIDURAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (KLON-i-deen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Duraclon

GENERIC NAME(S): clonidine HCl/PF

Uses

USES: Clonidine is used with another medication (an opioid) to treat severe pain in people with cancer. Clonidine belongs to a class of drugs known as central alpha agonists. It works by blocking the nerves in the spinal cord that send pain signals.


How to use CLONIDINE - EPIDURAL

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into the area around the spinal cord (epidural) by a health care professional. It is given continuously using a small pump as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor. You may experience symptoms such as headache, fast heartbeat, nausea, anxiety, and flushing. A rapid rise in blood pressure may also occur when the drug is suddenly stopped. The risk is greater if you have used this drug for a long time or in high doses, or if you are also taking a beta blocker (such as atenolol). There have also been rare reports of severe, possibly fatal reactions (such as stroke) from stopping this drug too quickly, so it is important that you do not run out of clonidine. Tell your doctor right away if your infusion is interrupted or if you have any problems with your pump. To prevent any reactions while you are stopping treatment with this drug, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Report any new or worsening symptoms right away. To prevent infection, learn how to handle the infusion pump and learn proper care of the injection site. Tell your doctor right away if there are any signs of infection around the injection site (such as swelling, redness, tenderness). See also Side Effects section. Tell your doctor if your pain does not get better or if it gets worse.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also How to Use section. Dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, tiredness, nausea, or dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fainting, slow/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as irritability, depression). A very serious brain infection (meningitis) may occur if the site of your infusion or the solution going into your spinal cord becomes contaminated. Get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of meningitis such as a headache that is severe or doesn't go away, fever, stiff/painful neck, confusion, or seizures. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using clonidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it (including having a rash while using clonidine patches); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart rhythm problems (such as slow/irregular heartbeat), stroke, high or low blood pressure, kidney disease, bleeding problems, blood disorders, infection of the spinal cord. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this product, especially dizziness or drowsiness. These side effects may increase the risk of falling. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: high blood pressure, severe dizziness/drowsiness, fainting, slow/irregular heartbeat, slow/shallow breathing.

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Faq for CLONIDINE - EPIDURAL

Clonidine epidural is commonly used in pain management to provide relief from chronic pain conditions, especially in the management of cancer pain.

Clonidine epidural works by binding to certain receptors in the spinal cord, which helps to reduce the transmission of pain signals. It also acts as a vasodilator, improving blood flow to the affected area and providing further pain relief.

Common side effects may include low blood pressure, dizziness, sedation, dry mouth, and constipation. Rarely, serious side effects such as respiratory depression or allergic reactions may occur. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for a complete list of potential side effects.

Clonidine epidural is typically administered by a healthcare professional through a small catheter placed in the epidural space, which is the area surrounding the spinal cord.

The duration of Clonidine epidural's effect can vary for each individual, but it typically lasts for several hours. Additional doses may be required depending on the patient's pain level and response to the medication.

Clonidine epidural should not be used in patients with a known allergy to the medication or those with severe low blood pressure. It should also be used with caution in patients with certain heart conditions, kidney or liver disease, or those taking certain medications known to interact with Clonidine.

Clonidine epidural should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus or infant. It is important to discuss with a healthcare professional before using Clonidine epidural in these situations.

There are several alternatives to Clonidine epidural for pain management, including other medications such as opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and other local anesthetics. The choice of alternative depends on the specific pain condition and individual patient needs.

Clonidine epidural is not typically recommended for use in children due to limited data on its safety and effectiveness in this population. The use of Clonidine epidural in children should be carefully considered and discussed with a pediatrician or pain management specialist.

- Clonidine - Epidural is commonly used for pain management, particularly in surgical procedures and chronic pain conditions.

- Clonidine works by stimulating alpha-2 adrenoreceptors in the spinal cord, reducing the transmission of pain signals. It also helps in reducing sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system, leading to analgesic effects.

- Common side effects may include low blood pressure, dry mouth, dizziness, sedation, and constipation.

- Clonidine - Epidural is administered through an injection into the epidural space, which is the area around the spinal cord.

- It is important to consult with a healthcare professional regarding the use of Clonidine - Epidural during pregnancy. The potential risks and benefits should be carefully evaluated before use.

- The duration of effect can vary depending on the individual and the dose administered. However, the analgesic effect can last up to several hours.

- Clonidine - Epidural is not considered addictive. However, abrupt discontinuation after prolonged use may lead to withdrawal symptoms, and gradual tapering is usually recommended.

- It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications and supplements you are currently taking. Some medications, such as certain antidepressants and blood pressure medications, may interact with Clonidine - Epidural.

- Clonidine - Epidural can be used in children, but the dosage and administration should be determined by a healthcare professional based on the child's age, weight, and medical condition.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.