Description:

Catapres Tablets 100 micrograms (Clonidine Hydrochloride by Glenwood) is a centrally acting antihypertensive medication used primarily to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It lowers blood pressure by stimulating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain, reducing sympathetic nervous system outflow, heart rate, and peripheral vascular resistance. It is often prescribed when other first-line antihypertensive are not sufficient or suitable. In Ghana (Accra), it is a common, affordable prescription medication available in pharmacies for long-term blood pressure control, particularly in patients with resistant hypertension or specific co-morbidities.

Prescription:

Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; dispensed by pharmacies with Rx; typically prescribed by physicians, cardiologists, or general practitioners; not OTC due to risk of rebound hypertension if stopped abruptly and need for blood pressure monitoring).

Therapeutic Category:

Centrally Acting Antihypertensive (Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist).

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each tablet contains:

• Active ingredient: Clonidine hydrochloride – 100 micrograms (0.1 mg). Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Lactose monohydrate, maize starch, magnesium stearate, povidone, colloidal anhydrous silica, and film-coating agents (e.g., hypromellose, titanium dioxide). Tablets are white/off-white, round, and usually scored or debossed with strength.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Catapres 100 micrograms tablets (standard strength; common pack sizes 30, 60, or 100 tablets). Related variants: Clonidine 150 micrograms or 300 micrograms tablets (higher strengths in some markets), Catapres-TTS transdermal patches (long-acting patch form), or clonidine oral liquids (for paediatric use). The 100 mcg tablet is the most common starting and maintenance dose.

Consume Type:

Oral – Tablet (swallow whole with water; do not crush or chew unless scored and advised).

Directions/Usage:

• Adults (hypertension): Starting dose usually 100 micrograms (0.1 mg) twice daily (morning and evening).
• Maintenance dose: May be increased gradually by 100–200 micrograms/day at weekly intervals (typical range 200–600 micrograms daily in divided doses; maximum rarely exceeds 1.2 mg/day).
• Take at the same times each day, with or without food.
• Do not stop suddenly (risk of severe rebound hypertension, tachycardia, anxiety, or headache – taper gradually under medical supervision).
• Duration: Long-term (often lifelong) for hypertension; regular blood pressure monitoring is essential.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Drowsiness, sedation, dry mouth (most frequent early on).
• Dizziness or light-headedness (especially when standing – orthostatic hypotension).
• Fatigue, headache.
• Constipation.
• Sexual dysfunction (decreased libido or impotence). Less common/serious (seek help): Severe rebound hypertension (if stopped abruptly), bradycardia (slow heart rate), depression, vivid dreams/nightmares, skin rash, or allergic reactions.

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 30 tablets per pack; 3×10 or 6×10 foil blisters in carton with patient information leaflet).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging, tightly closed. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Do not stop treatment abruptly (rebound hypertension can be severe and dangerous – always taper gradually under medical supervision).
• Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to clonidine, severe bradycardia, sick sinus syndrome, or severe heart block (without pacemaker).
• Caution in elderly (increased risk of sedation and hypotension), history of depression (may worsen), renal impairment, or concurrent use of CNS depressants (alcohol, sedatives – additive effects).
• Monitor blood pressure regularly, especially when starting, changing dose, or stopping.
• Avoid driving or operating machinery until effects (sedation, dizziness) are known.
• If severe dizziness, slow pulse, fainting, depression, or sudden high blood pressure occurs, seek medical care immediately.
• Keep out of reach of children (overdose risk).

Product Substitutes: Similar clonidine 100 micrograms tablets in Ghana include:

• Generic clonidine hydrochloride 100 mcg tablets (various importers).
• Catapres (original Boehringer Ingelheim brand if stocked).
• Other brands like Clonidina or local generics. Alternatives: Methyldopa, prazosin, or other centrally acting antihypertensive; or non-centrally acting agents (e.g., amlodipine, losartan, hydrochlorothiazide). Consult cardiologist/physician in Accra for alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Glenwood (often Glenwood Pharmaceuticals or similar local/Indian branding for generic clonidine in export markets). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked as imported generic).

Country of Origin:

India (manufactured by Indian pharmaceutical companies; imported to Ghana and widely available in local pharmacies).