- Chronic Care
- High Blood Pressure
Clonidine
Clonidine online prescription available
Clonidine can help treat high blood pressure and manage ADHD symptoms. Speak to a caring, board-certified primary care doctor about a 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)
Avoid interaction and consult your telehealth provider
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Long-term management of high blood pressure at Plushcare requires screening bloodwork (labs) and and EKG. Not all cases of high blood pressure are suitable for telehealth management. Your doctor will guide help recommend the safest treatment plans available. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card.
About Clonidine
Clonidine is considered an antiadrenergic agent, or an alpha blocker, 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.
Clonidine is a generic prescription drug used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). The brand name Catapres also has the active ingredient clonidine.
Kapvay, another brand of clonidine, may be prescribed in young children to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although the exact mechanism is unknown, there’s something about the relaxation of blood vessels in that manner that can lead to a calming and focusing effect in children.
Clonidine may be prescribed as an oral tablet, oral suspension, transdermal patch, or extended-release tablet. In hospital settings, it can also be provided as an injection. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions on your prescription.
If you are prescribed clonidine, be sure to take as directed unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop. Stopping clonidine will result in a return of symptoms, as both high blood pressure and ADHD are chronic conditions.
Clonidine uses
Clonidine is FDA-approved for treating high blood pressure and ADHD, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online doctor may prescribe it for the following reasons. Your doctor may also prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, ask your 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) in children. The Duraclon brand of clonidine is an intravenous form used to treat severe pain in cancer patients, only available in a hospital setting.
Catapres side effects
The side effects associated with taking clonidine are typically mild. Most clonidine side effects are associated with tiredness. Clonidine has some common side effects. They may include:
Mild drowsiness
Dry mouth
Headache
Skin rash (if using a skin patch prescription)
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:Lightheadedness and/or dizziness
Severe chest pain or shortness of breath
Anxiety or agitation
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 clonidine
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take clonidine according to your personal prescription. Be sure to read the label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor if you have any questions.
Clonidine can come in different forms and doses. The starting dose 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.
Clonidine is also available as a transdermal patch (Catapres TTS). Avoid using transdermal clonidine at the same time as Catapres or clonidine tablets.
What to avoid while taking Clonidine
Clonidine has at many possible 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 clonidine 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.
Alternative medications to clonidine
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
Clonidine prescription FAQs
How much does clonidine cost?
Depending on your pharmacy, the brand-name version of clonidine, Catapres, oral tablets (0.1 mg) cost around $293 for 100 tablets without insurance. Fortunately 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 clonidine prescription?
You will need to see a doctor to get a refill on your clonidine prescription. To get started, book a virtual appointment with one of our top rated board-certified primary care doctors. After a qualifying evaluation, your prescription will be sent to your local pharmacy for pickup, if appropriate
Who should not take clonidine?
To make sure clonidine 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 before clonidine starts to take effect?
Clonidine tablets start working quickly. It 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 clonidine?
The usual starting dose for high blood pressure is 0.1 mg, taken two or three times daily.
Can you just stop taking clonidine?
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?
If you miss a dose of clonidine, 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?
If you've taken too much clonidine, seek emergency medical attention or contact your local poison control center. Overdose symptoms may include weakness, drowsiness, shallow breathing, or irregular heartbeat.
Where can I buy clonidine?
Clonidine is available by prescription only. With Plushcare, you can conveniently schedule a online doctor appointment any time. If you qualify, your doctor will create an online prescription and send it to your local pharmacy, where you can pick it up the same day.
Can I buy clonidine over the counter?
You need to be evaluated by a qualified doctor to be prescribed clonidine. You can schedule a telemedicine appointment with a PlushCare board-certified doctor. Or you can schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or a specialist locally. Clonidine should only be taken under a doctor's supervision. He or she will consider your medical history and current medications to determine if clonidine is safe and effective for you.
3 simple steps to request your Catapres prescription online
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 clonidine online prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Catapres prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your clonidine prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
Copay
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
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
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.
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
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.