CLONIDINE/CHLORTHALIDONE - ORAL

CLONIDINE/CHLORTHALIDONE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (KLON-i-deen/klor-THAL-i-done)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Combipres

GENERIC NAME(S): clonidine HCl/chlorthalidone

Uses

USES: This product is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This product contains 2 medications: clonidine and chlorthalidone. Clonidine belongs to a class of drugs (central alpha agonists) that act in the brain to lower blood pressure. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Chlorthalidone is a "water pill" (diuretic) and causes your body to get rid of extra salt and water. This effect may increase the amount of urine you make when you first start the medication. It also helps to relax the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily. These medications are used together when 1 drug alone is not controlling your blood pressure. Your doctor may direct you to start taking the individual medications first, and then switch you over to this combination product if this is the best dose combination for you.


How to use CLONIDINE/CHLORTHALIDONE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. It is best to avoid taking this medication within 4 hours of your bedtime to avoid having to get up to urinate. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your dosing schedule. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If you also take certain drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take this product at least 2 hours before or at least 4 hours after these medications. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. You may experience symptoms such as nervousness, agitation, shaking, and headache. A rapid rise in blood pressure may also occur if 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. Therefore, it is important that you do not run out of this medication or miss any doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you are unable to take the medication (for example, due to vomiting). 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. When used for a long time, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing or an additional medication. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well (such as your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, dry mouth, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To relieve dry mouth, suck (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute. 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. The chlorthalidone in this product may cause a loss of too much body water (dehydration) and salt/minerals. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of dehydration or mineral loss, including: extreme thirst, very dry mouth, muscle cramps, weakness, fast/irregular heartbeat, confusion. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fainting, slow heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as irritability, depression), toe/joint pain, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine). Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: decrease in vision, eye pain. 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 taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to clonidine or chlorthalidone (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: kidney disease, liver disease, heart rhythm problems (such as slow/irregular heartbeat, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block), gout, lupus, untreated mineral imbalance (such as low potassium). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana 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. Too much sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause loss of too much body water (dehydration) and increase your risk of dizziness or lightheadedness. Report prolonged diarrhea or vomiting to your doctor. Be sure to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). If you have diabetes, this product may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet. This medication may reduce the potassium levels in your blood. Ask your doctor about adding potassium to your diet. Your doctor may prescribe a potassium supplement. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Contact lens wearers may need to use wetting eye drops since this medication can cause dry eyes. 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

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: cisapride, dofetilide, lithium. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, marijuana, antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. Some products have ingredients that could raise your blood pressure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen). This product may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including parathyroid test, protein-bound iodide test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

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: severe dizziness/drowsiness, fainting, slow/irregular heartbeat, slow/shallow breathing, seizures.

Images

CLORPRES 0.1-15 TABLET

color
yellow
shape
round
imprint
M 1
CLORPRES 0.2-15 TABLET

color
yellow
shape
round
imprint
M 27
CLORPRES 0.3-15 TABLET

color
yellow
shape
round
imprint
M 72

Reviews

No Reviews Yet


Faq for CLONIDINE/CHLORTHALIDONE - ORAL

Clonidine/Chlorthalidone is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Clonidine lowers blood pressure by stimulating certain receptors in the brain to reduce nerve signals that narrow blood vessels. Chlorthalidone is a diuretic (water pill) that helps the kidneys eliminate excess salt and water from the body, thereby reducing fluid buildup and lowering blood pressure.

The common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, headache, and nausea. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.

It is important to inform your doctor if you have any allergies, kidney problems, heart disease, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Additionally, be cautious when driving or operating machinery as Clonidine/Chlorthalidone may cause dizziness or drowsiness.

Clonidine/Chlorthalidone is usually taken by mouth once a day or as directed by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and do not stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements. Certain medications may interact with Clonidine/Chlorthalidone and affect its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose.

It is important to discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as Clonidine/Chlorthalidone may not be safe during pregnancy. As for breastfeeding, it is generally not recommended to use this medication while breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk and harm the nursing baby.

The full effect of Clonidine/Chlorthalidone may take several weeks to be achieved. However, it is essential to continue taking the medication as prescribed even if you feel well, as high blood pressure often has no symptoms.



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.