Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking clonidine as follows:
- Try changing the positions very slowly while using clonidine, as sudden change of positions can deteriorate the hypotensive episodes, make the dizziness even worse and precipitate accidents and falls.
- Clonidine can induce some nausea and vomiting, when taken on empty stomach. Taking the medication with a glass of water and some food or snack can help avoid these unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Avoid using clonidine along with any other medications that can cause slowdown of heart rate, such as, beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers. Using them together can result in extreme slowdown of heart rate and can present an emergency.
- Clonidine takes some time to fairly control the elevated blood pressure and reduce the work load on the heart. Do not discontinue taking the medication without consulting your physician, as you failed to see the desired result immediately after taking the medication.
