Do you also have high blood pressure, or 'pressure' as we all know it? If so, your doctor may have told you to use a patch that you stick on your skin instead of taking pills. This is what we call the Clonidine Patch. This is a bit new, so many people may have questions about it. So, let's talk about it in detail today, very simply, as if we were talking to a friend.
What really happens with this clonidine patch?
Simply put, this medicine controls high blood pressure. Now look, the blood vessels in our body are like pipes that carry water. If these pipes get a little clogged, we have to put more pressure on them to send the water through, right? That's how our blood pressure increases.
This clonidine patch works by widening and releasing those constricted blood vessels. Then, blood can travel through the body very easily, without any obstruction. This not only lowers blood pressure, but also reduces the need for our heart to pump blood. This also provides great relief to the heart.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this patch
Before you start using this medicine, you should definitely discuss these points with your doctor, as they are very important for your health.
- If you have kidney disease .
- If you have an allergy to clonidine, any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
When you tell your doctor this kind of information, he can determine the most appropriate and safest treatment for you.
How exactly do you use this patch?
The method of using this is very simple, but it must be followed exactly.
1. For external use only: This is not a medicine to be taken orally, but rather something to be applied to the skin.
2. Application site: Apply the patch to the upper arm or a hairless, clean, dry area of the body . Do not apply to wounds, scars, blackheads, or areas with rough skin.
3. Change the location: Each time you apply the patch, apply it to a different area instead of the same spot you applied it to prevent skin irritation and redness.
4. Do not cut: Do not cut or divide the patch into pieces for any reason. It must be used in its entirety.
5. Duration: One patch can be used for 7 days (one week) .
6. Don't stop: Continue using this until your doctor tells you to stop.If you stop suddenly, your blood pressure may suddenly increase.
Important: Read the instruction leaflet that comes with this medicine carefully. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask your doctor.
What if I forget to change the patch?
You should change your patch once a week, on the same day. But if you forget to do so, take off the old one and put on a new one as soon as you remember. If you are two or three days late, it is best to call your doctor for advice.
Other medications that should not be used with this medicine
Some medications can interact with this clonidine patch and cause adverse effects. Therefore, it is very important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
| Drug category | Examples and descriptions |
|---|---|
| Do not use with these at all | |
| MAOI-type antidepressants | (MAOIs) such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate. |
| Interactions with these drugs may occur (use under medical advice) | |
| Barbiturates | Medications such as phenobarbital, which are used to induce sleep or treat epilepsy. |
| Other heart disease and high blood pressure medications | Other blood pressure medications, heart disease, or medications for irregular heartbeat. |
| Medications for mental illness | Some medications given for conditions such as depression and anxiety. |
| Painkillers | Strong painkillers taken on medical prescription. |
This list is not exhaustive, so be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and even herbal products you are taking.
Things to be careful about when using the patch
- Regular checkups: Go to the doctor on time. Check your blood pressure and heart rate at home. Ask your doctor what normal values are and when you should call him.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: You may feel drowsy or dizzy. So, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Especially if you are elderly, do not get up from a sitting position suddenly. Wait a few minutes and then get up slowly.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can make you feel more sleepy and dizzy, so avoid drinking alcohol.
- Dry mouth: Your mouth may feel dry. Chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on unsweetened toffee, and drinking plenty of water can help.
- Other illnesses: Do not take over-the-counter cough, cold, or pain medications without first consulting your doctor. Some medications can increase your blood pressure.
- Surgery and MRI: If you are going to have surgery or an MRI scan, be sure to tell the medical team that you are using this patch. The patch must be removed before the MRI.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, this can cause side effects in some people. It's important to be aware of these.
| If these symptoms occur, inform your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Slow heartbeat | Dizziness, fainting, difficulty breathing, unusual weakness. |
| If these persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. | |
| Constipation | Difficulty going to the toilet. |
| Dizziness and drowsiness | Dizziness and drowsiness. |
| Dry eyes and mouth | Dry eyes and dry mouth. |
| Fatigue | Body fatigue. |
What if the medicine is used too much?
If you think you have used too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Take-Home Message
- The Clonidine patch is a medication used for high blood pressure that is replaced once a week.
- Always follow your doctor's instructions exactly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly without his or her advice.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you use.
- This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness, so avoid driving until you know how it affects you.
- Call your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects such as allergic reactions, severe dizziness, or an abnormally slow heartbeat.
- Store this medicine at room temperature, out of the reach of children and pets.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What is the Clonidine Patch / Catapres-TTS?
This is a highly effective (Alpha-2 Agonist) medication patch that helps control severe 'High Blood Pressure / Hypertension'! For those who forget/don't want to take their blood pressure pills every day, this patch can be applied to the body/chest/hand once a week (7 days), and will release the medication into the blood through the skin for a week, keeping the blood pressure 100% under control.
💬 How does this medication (Clonidine) lower blood pressure when applied to the skin?
This is not an ordinary blood pressure pill! This medicine goes straight through the skin to your 'brain (CNS)'. It is from our brain that the heart/blood vessels are sent messages to beat faster/increase pressure (Sympathetic outflow). This medicine goes to the brain (Alpha-2 Receptors) and completely calms/suppresses the center that sends those messages. Then the blood vessels relax, the pressure and heart rate immediately drop.
💬 What precautions should be taken when removing/using this patch?
The biggest and deadliest danger of this is that if you remove the old patch suddenly (Abrupt withdrawal) without applying a new patch after a week, your blood pressure will rise from zero to an unbearable level (Rebound Hypertension) in about 2 days and your spinal cord/heart will explode and you may die! This will also cause dry mouth and unbearable drowsiness/sedation.
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