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Clonidine
Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) prescription available online
Clonidine can help treat high blood pressure and manage ADHD symptoms. Speak to a board-certified doctor about getting about a new prescription or refill of clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) online.*
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Online guidance for high blood pressure
FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure (hypertension)
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*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card.
About Catapres (clonidine)
Catapres is considered an antiadrenergic agent, which helps lower blood pressure by decreasing the levels of certain chemicals in your blood. In turn, your blood vessels relax, and your heart can beat more easily.
Catapres is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Catapres is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation as clonidine, as well as under different brand names. Kapvay, another brand of clonidine, may be prescribed in young children to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Catapres may be prescribed as an oral tablet, injectable solution, oral suspension, transdermal patch, or extended-release tablet. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed.
If you are prescribed Catapres, be sure to complete the full course of the blood pressure medication unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop. If you don’t complete your prescription, the blood pressure medication may not fully treat your high blood pressure.
Catapres uses
There is one FDA-approved use for Catapres, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for the following reason. It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, ask your online doctor or pharmacist.
High blood pressure
Catapres is FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Catapres has an antihypertensive effect, which helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney disease.
Clonidine is available under several brand names. The Kapvay brand of clonidine may be prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The Duraclon brand of clonidine is an intravenous form used to treat severe pain in cancer patients.
Catapres side effects
The side effects associated with taking Catapres are typically mild. Most Catapres side effects are associated with tiredness. Catapres has some common side effects. They may include:
Dizziness or drowsiness
Dry mouth
Loss of appetite
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:Lightheadedness
Severe chest pain or shortness of breath
Very slow heart rate
You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects, or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms.
How to take Catapres
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Catapres prescription. Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Catapres can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. The starting dose for Catapres tablets is typically 0.1 mg orally taken twice daily. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually by 0.1 mg at weekly intervals depending on your response to the medication.
Catapres is also available as a transdermal patch (Catapres TTS). Avoid using transdermal clonidine concurrently with Catapres tablets.
What to avoid while taking Catapres
Catapres has 364 drug interactions. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medicines or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
Possible drug interactions with Catapres include:
Other heart or blood pressure medications
Certain antidepressants
Any other drugs that contain clonidine
Talk to your doctor before drinking alcohol. Alcohol may have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure, which can lead to headaches, dizziness, fainting, and other adverse side effects.
Medication alternatives to Catapres
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest another centra alpha agonist or an antihypertensive drug in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
High blood pressure
Catapres prescription FAQs
How much does Catapres cost?
Depending on your pharmacy, Catapres oral tablets (0.1 mg) cost around $293 for 100 tablets without insurance. Fortunately, generic brands, such as clonidine, may offer an affordable alternative. The price also may be lower depending on your insurance coverage. Our prescription discount card helps members save up to 80% on prescriptions.
How can I refill my Catapres prescription?
Catapres is only available by prescription, so you will need to see a board-certified doctor to get a refill on your prescription. To get started, book a virtual appointment with one of our top rated board-certified doctors. After a qualifying evaluation, your prescription will be sent to your local pharmacy for pickup.
Who should not take Catapres?
To make sure Catapres is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
Allergic reaction to clonidine or the Catapres TTS patch
Heart disease or coronary artery disease
A heart rhythm disorder
Low blood pressure
Kidney disease
Pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland)
How many hours will Catapres need to take effect?
Catapres tablets start working quickly. Catapres lowers blood pressure within 30–60 minutes after an oral dose, with the maximum effect occurring within two to four hours. Catapres extended-release tablets take 7–12 hours to reach their full effect.
How many times can you take Catapres?
The usual starting dose for high blood pressure is 0.1 mg, taken two or three times daily.
Can you just stop taking Catapres?
Don't stop taking clonidine without talking to your doctor. Your doctor may want to decrease your dose gradually before stopping it completely. Your blood pressure can increase when you stop taking clonidine suddenly, which can lead to serious side effects.
What happens if I miss a dose of Catapres?
If you miss a dose of Catapres, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your regular time. Avoid taking two doses to make up for a missed dose.
What happens if I take too much Catapres?
If you've taken too much Catapres, seek emergency medical attention or contact your local poison control center. Overdose symptoms may include weakness, drowsiness, shallow breathing, or irregular heartbeat.
3 simple steps to request your Catapres prescription today
Step 1
Book a Catapres prescription request appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Catapres prescription.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up your Catapres prescription.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Catapres prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Catapres prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
Copay
For all visits
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
$129
Repeats only $99
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $99 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Catapres prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information
Food and Drug Administration. Catapres (clonidine hydrochloride) prescription label. Accessed on November 21, 2022. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/017407s034lbl.pdf
Mayo Clinic. Clonidine (Oral Route). Accessed on November 21, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/clonidine-oral-route/description/drg-20063252
MedlinePlus. Clonidine. Accessed on November 21, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682243.html