Catapres TTS (Clonidine)
Medication information written by Dr. Larisa Roybal, PharmD
Updated - January 26, 2021
Catapres TTS (Clonidine) Medication Information
Uses
Catapres TTS transdermal therapeutic system is indicated in the treatment of hypertension. It may be employed alone or concomitantly with other antihypertensive agents.
Dosage
There are patches available in several different strengths of clonidine total content:
- 0.1 mg
- 0.2 mg
- 0.3 mg
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Catapres TTS include:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Lethargy
- Sedation
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for a full list of side effects that applies to you.
Precautions
In patients who have developed localized contact sensitization to Catapres TTS (clonidine) transdermal therapeutic system continuation of Catapres TTS transdermal therapeutic system 3 Reference or substitution of oral clonidine hydrochloride therapy may be associated with development of a generalized skin rash.
In patients who develop an allergic reaction to Catapres TTS transdermal therapeutic system, substitution of oral clonidine hydrochloride may also elicit an allergic reaction (including generalized rash, urticaria, or angioedema).
The sympatholytic action of clonidine may worsen sinus node dysfunction and atrioventricular (AV) block, especially in patients taking other sympatholytic drugs. There are post-marketing reports of patients with conduction abnormalities and/or taking other sympatholytic drugs who developed severe bradycardia requiring IV atropine, IV isoproterenol and temporary cardiac pacing while taking clonidine.
In hypertension caused by pheochromocytoma, no therapeutic effect of Catapres TTS transdermal therapeutic system can be expected.
In rare instances, loss of blood pressure control has been reported in patients using Catapres TTS transdermal therapeutic system according to the instructions for use.
Interactions
Some of the common drug interactions with Catapres TTS:
- Alcohol
- Barbiturates
- TCA antidepressants
- Digoxin
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Storage
Store below 86ºF.
Pharmacist Tips
- Do not to discontinue therapy without consulting their physician. Sudden cessation of clonidine treatment has, in some cases, resulted in symptoms such as nervousness, agitation, headache, tremor, and confusion accompanied or followed by a rapid rise in blood pressure and elevated catecholamine concentrations in the plasma.
- Catapres TTS transdermal therapeutic system should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to clonidine or to any other component of the therapeutic system.
- Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established in adequate and well controlled trials.
Clonidine FAQs
How do I use this?
Apply the square Catapres TTS patch once a week, preferably at a convenient time on the same day of the week
Can I take this if I am pregnant?
No adequate well-controlled studies have been conducted in pregnant women. Clonidine crosses the placental barrier. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
As clonidine is excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Catapres TTS (clonidine) transdermal therapeutic system is administered to a nursing woman.
Where should I apply the patch?
Select a hairless area such as on the upper, outer arm or upper chest.
How do I dispose of the patch?
During or even after use, a patch contains active medication which may be harmful to infants and children if accidentally applied or ingested. After use, fold in half with the sticky sides together. Dispose of carefully out of reach of children.
How do I apply the adhesive cover?
The white, round, Adhesive cover does not contain any drug and should not be used alone. The cover should be applied directly over the Catapres TTS Patch only if the Patch begins to separate from the skin, thereby ensuring that it sticks to the skin for seven full days.
Related Drugs
Reference:
Catapres TTS {package insert}. Ridgefield, CT: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2011.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/018891s028lbl.pdf
Author: Dr. Larisa Roybal, PharmD
Dr. Roybal is a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist who has practiced in both ambulatory and acute care settings. Her pharmacy interests include oncology and general inpatient pharmacy.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.