Catapres (Clonidine Hydrochloride) - Indications and Dosage

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Catapres® (clonidine hydrochloride USP) is indicated in the treatment of hypertension. Catapres may be employed alone or concomitantly with other antihypertensive agents.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Adults

The dose of Catapres® (clonidine hydrochloride USP) must be adjusted according to the patient's individual blood pressure response. The following is a general guide to its administration.

Initial Dose

0.1 mg tablet twice daily (morning and bedtime). Elderly patients may benefit from a lower initial dose.

Maintenance Dose

Further increments of 0.1 mg per day may be made at weekly intervals if necessary until the desired response is achieved. Taking the larger portion of the oral daily dose at bedtime may minimize transient adjustment effects of dry mouth and drowsiness. The therapeutic doses most commonly employed have ranged from 0.2 mg to 0.6 mg per day given in divided doses. Studies have indicated that 2.4 mg is the maximum effective daily dose, but doses as high as this have rarely been employed.

Renal Impairment

Dosage must be adjusted according to the degree of impairment, and patients should be carefully monitored. Since only a minimal amount of clonidine is removed during routine hemodialysis, there is no need to give supplemental clonidine following dialysis.

HOW SUPPLIED

Catapres® (clonidine hydrochloride USP) is supplied in scored oval tablets containing 0.1 mg, 0.2 mg or 0.3 mg of clonidine hydrochloride.

Dose (mg)	Color	Marking	Bottle of 100	Bottle of 1000	Unit Dose of 100
0.1	Tan	BI 6	NDC0597-0006-01	NDC0597-0006-10	NDC0597-0006-61
0.2	Orange	BI 7	NDC0597-0007-01	NDC0597-0007-10	NDC0597-0007-61
0.3	Peach	BI 11	NDC0597-0011-01

Store at 25°C (77°F).
Excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F).
(See USP controlled room temperature).
Dispense in tight, light-resistant container.

Distributed by
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Ridgefield, CT 06877

Manufactured by
Promeco S.A. de C.V./(Boehringer Ingelheim-México)
México City, D.F.

Licensed from
Boehringer Ingelheim
International GmbH
Printed in U.S.A. 4/98

862012-M
340066/ US/ 2