Generic: Clonidine hydrochloride and chlorthalidone
Clonidine(hypotensive agent) and chlorthalidone(diuretic) combinations are used for the treatment of hypertension. Hypertension increases the work load of the heart and arteries which can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys resulting in a stroke, heart attacks or failure, or kidney failure.
When hypertension is controlled, these problems are less likely to occur. Clonidine works by controlling nerve impulses which relaxes blood vessels so that blood passes through them more easily.
The diuretic works by increasing the flow of urine resulting to less blood volume. This combination drug requires a prescription.
Before taking this drug, the risks and benefits for your body should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.
Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications. There are no specific data comparing use of clonidine and chorthalidone combination in children with use in other age groups.
Children have greater sensitivity to the effect of clonidine. Elderly patients who are more sensitive to the effects of clonidine and chlorthalidone may experience dizziness or lightheadedness and signs of too much potassium loss.
Adverse effects have been reported in animal studies but studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate. Studies determining infant risk when taking this drug during breastfeeding are still inadequate. Discuss with your healthcare professional the possible risks and benefits before taking this drug while breastfeeding.
Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.
Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as:
Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with magnesium is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, gout, cardiovascular disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, mental depression, pancreatitis, Raynaud's syndrome, kidney or liver disease.
3 Proper Usage
The effects of this drug may cause unusual feeling of tiredness and an increase in the amount of urine or in your frequency of urination. These effects will be reduced after prolonged intake. Ask your healthcare professional to help you plan the best time to take this drug.
The treatment of hypertension may include weight control and changes in the types of foods you eat, especially foods high in sodium or potassium. Consult with your healthcare professional before changing your diet.
Hypertensive patients usually feel normal and will only feel the symptoms when extensive damage already occurred. Compliance with your drugs and regular check-ups are important to control your hypertension. You may have to do this for the rest of your life, since it can cause serious problems, such as heart failure, blood vessel disease, stroke, or kidney disease when left uncontrolled.
The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug.
Adults with hypertension are given 1 tablet one or two times a day. Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional. A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.
4 Precautions to Take
Your healthcare provider should closely monitor the effectiveness of this drug as well as check for unwanted effects. Consult with your healthcare professional before you decide to stop taking this drug. Your healthcare professional may slowly taper your dose before stopping the drug completely.
You should not miss taking any doses and you must have enough of this drug on hand to last through weekends, holidays, or vacations. Inform your healthcare professional that you are taking this drug before having any kind of surgery or emergency treatment.
Consult with your healthcare provider before taking any other non-prescription drugs for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, since these drugs may increase your blood pressure.
This drug potentiates the effects of alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants such as antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine, prescription pain medicine or narcotics, barbiturates, medicine for seizures, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics.
This drug may cause drowsiness or reduced alertness especially when you just started treatment or increase the dose of this drug. Be careful in taking this drug before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous.
The dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting is also more likely to occur if you drink alcohol, stand for long periods of time, exercise, or if the weather is hot. You may be advised to eat or drink foods that have a high potassium content, or take a potassium supplement, or take another medicine to help prevent the loss of the potassium in the first place as this drug may cause a loss of potassium from your body.
Consult with your healthcare provider if you become sick and have severe or continuing vomiting or diarrhea as these problems may cause additional water and potassium loss. This drug should be used with caution in diabetics as chlorthalidone may raise blood sugar levels.
This drug may increase your sensitivity to sunlight and any symptoms of skin rash, itching, redness or other discoloration of the skin, or severe sunburn should be reported to your healthcare professional immediately.
You will be advised to stay out of direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m and wear protective clothing and use sunblock that is at least SPF 15. Use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute if you have dryness in the mouth after taking this drug.
Consult with your healthcare professional if the dryness persists for more than 2 weeks as this may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects will eventually disappear as your body adjusts to the drug.
Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. If any of the following side effects persists, or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional.
If any of the following side effects persists, or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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