Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Catapres as follows:
- Catapres carries the risk of lowering the heart rate and so, must be used with extreme caution in individuals with history of bradycardia. Individuals with history of compromised function of the pacemakers of the heart (SA and AV nodes), can present with further compromise of the pacemaker function, secondary to Catapres use. This can lead to episodes of severely low heart rate and may even present with a heart block. Catapres must be avoided for a safer alternative or used with extreme caution in individuals with history of sick sinus or AV block.
- Use of Catapres in individuals with history of orthostatic hypotension can contribute to severe lowering of blood pressure numbers. Catapres must be used with extreme caution in individuals with such history, to avoid episodes of dizziness and confusion due to hypotension. This can help prevent falls and accidents due to sudden change of position.
