Dixarit

The active ingredient in Dixarit is clonidine hydrochloride, an alpha-adrenergic agonist. Clonidine works by relaxing blood vessels (vasodilator) to help prevent hot flushes and migraines.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Dixarit. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Dixarit:

• Do not drink alcohol or use barbiturates while taking this medication, as this can cause extreme drowsiness.
• Do not stop this medication suddenly, as this can cause a dangerous and sudden high blood pressure.
• Do not drive a vehicle or operate heavy machinery following a dose until you know how this medication affects you.

The most common side effects of Dixarit include:

• Dry mouth.
• Dry eyes.
• Drowsiness or sedation.
• Lightheadedness.
• Constipation.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Dixarit. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Heart problems, including an irregular heartbeat, slow heartbeat (bradycardia), or low blood pressure (hypotension).
• Very high blood pressure, which may present as nervousness or agitation, tremor, trouble speaking, or seizures.
• Serious life-threatening allergic reactions, which may present as skin rash, hives, swelling of the face, mouth, or tongue, and/ or trouble breathing.

These are not all of the possible side effects of clonidine. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Dixarit, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Cardiovascular (heart) conditions, such as a recent heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.
• Kidney disease.
• Galactose or fructose intolerance.

Known hypersensitivity to clonidine or lactose.

It begins working within an hour of taking it.

When Dixarit is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• CNS depressants such as alcohol, barbiturates, or other sedating medications may be more sedating when taken with clonidine.
• Tricyclic antidepressants may reduce the efficacy of clonidine when taken together.
• Calcium channel blockers, diuretics, and beta-blockers may increase the risk for bradycardia (slow heartbeat) when used with clonidine.
• Use of clonidine with amitriptyline may increase the risk of corneal lesions.
• Drugs of the methylphenidate class (stimulants) can cause serious side effects in children with ADHD when used with clonidine.

Brand-name Dixarit is available as a 0.025 mg tablet.

It should be stored at room temperature, away from the reach of children or pets.

It is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim.

Yes, it is available from many manufacturers of generic drugs.

Barring serious side effects as listed above, you should not discontinue this medication abruptly, as doing so could lead to severe, life-threatening high blood pressure.

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up.

Talk to your doctor if you think this medication is not right for you.

Clonidine is known to cross the placenta, and other agents to treat maternal hypertension are preferred. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Clonidine is present in breastmilk and can cause symptoms of low blood pressure and slow heart rate in nursing infants. Other antihypertensives are preferred in the case of breastfeeding patients. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.