Have you recently started taking Clonidine 0.1 mg pills or been told that you’ll be prescribed them to treat a specific illness or symptom? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll explain what Clonidine HCL is, what it treats, how to take it, and what you need to know to safely use the drug.
What Are Clonidine 0.1 Mg Pills Used For?
Clonidine HCL is a drug used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Clonidine is a type of drug known as a central alpha agonist that works in the brain to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.
Clonidine HCL Dosage and Administration
Clonidine pills come in three different dosages that each have different markings and colors, though all are circular in shape. Check out the chart below for more information on Clonidine HCL tablets.
| Dose (mg) | Color | Marking |
| 0.1 | Tan | BI 6 |
| 0.2 | Orange | BI 7 |
| 0.3 | Peach | BI 11 |
As you can see from the chart, Clonidine comes in three doses: 0.1 mg, 0.2 mg, and 0.3 mg. Your doctor will determine your dosage in order to properly treat your symptoms.
Typically, you’ll take Clonidine by mouth twice daily, once in the morning when you first wake up and once at bedtime. If you have two different doses, you should take the larger dose at bedtime to minimize side effects. You can also receive Clonidine as a transdermal patch worn on your skin.
Clonidine HCL’s effectiveness may diminish over time. If you’re taking Clonidine over an extended period of time, you may have to increase your dosage.
Do not stop taking Clonidine suddenly, or you may experience adverse withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will be able to help you safely stop using the drug.
Clonidine HCL Brand Name and Manufacturer
Catapres is the brand name of Clonidine HCL tablets, manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim. There are also several generic versions of Catapres that are approved for use. The following manufacturers also produce Clonidine 0.1 mg tablets:
- Actavis Elizabeth
- Doses: 0.1mg, 0.2mg, 0.3mg
- Alembic Pharms LTD
- Doses: 0.1mg, 0.2mg, 0.3mg
- Frontida Biopharm
- Doses: 0.1mg, 0.2mg, 0.3mg
- Impax Labs
- Doses: 0.1mg, 0.2mg, 0.3mg
- MYLAN
- Doses: 0.1mg, 0.2mg, 0.3mg
- Prinston Inc
- Doses: 0.1mg, 0.2mg, 0.3mg
- UNICHEM
- Doses: 0.1mg, 0.2mg, 0.3mg
- Yung Shin Pharmaceuticals
- Doses: 0.1mg, 0.2mg, 0.3mg
Clonidine HCL 0.1 Mg Tablets Side Effects
As with any drug, Clonidine HCL 0.1 mg pills can cause both minor and major side effects. Some side effects do not require medical attention and may disappear with time. Others are more serious and require immediate medical care. If you’re concerned about a side effect you’re experiencing while taking Clonidine HCL, you should contact your doctor.
Minor Side Effects
The following side effects are minor and do not require immediate medical care. However, if you experience any of these side effects and they worsen, are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them, you should speak with your doctor.
- Constipation
- Darkening of the skin
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Decreased sexual ability
- Dry, itching, or burning eyes
Major Side Effects
The following side effects are more severe and require medical attention from your doctor.
- Mental depression
- Swelling of the feet and lower legs
- Chest pain and discomfort
- Disorientation and confusion
- Anxiety
- Pounding, slow heartbeat
- Hyperventilation,
- Trouble with sleeping
- Fever
- Skin Rash
- Shortness of Breath
Symptoms of Overdose
It’s possible to overdose on Clonidine HCL. If you or someone you know experience any of the following side effects, you should seek immediate emergency medical help.
- Extreme dizziness or faintness
- Feeling cold
- Pinpoint pupils
- Extreme tiredness or weakness
Precautions for Taking Clonidine 0.1 Mg Pills
Before starting a new drug, it’s important to keep your doctor informed about your medical history so he or she can prevent any potentially dangerous side effects. In particular, make sure you inform your doctor about allergies and any history of kidney disease or heart rhythm problems.
Interactions to Avoid While Taking Clonidine HCL
Clonidine HCL can make you dizzy or drowsy, so you should avoid operating heavy machinery or driving while taking the medication until you’re sure that you won’t have bad side effects. You should also avoid drinking alcohol while taking Clonidine HCL.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you’re taking any medications that may also cause drowsiness, such as narcotic pain relievers, antidepressants, antihistamines, or cough-and-cold products, as these may increase the likelihood of you experiencing severe drowsiness while on Clonidine HCL.
Recap: What Is Clonidine 0.1 Mg?
Clonidine HCL is a medication used to treat high blood pressure. It relaxes your blood vessels so that blood can move through your body more freely.
Clonidine HCL comes in three standard doses: 0.1mg, 0.2mg, and 0.3mg. Your doctor will work with you to determine the dosage that’s right to meet your needs.
As with any drug, Clonidine HCL has potential side effects, ranging from minor, such as constipation, to major, such as mental depression. If you’re experiencing any side effects that cause you discomfort or seem particularly dangerous, you should contact your doctor.