Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Catapres as follows:
- Your physician could change the dose of Catapres, based on the response obtained and side-effects developed. Maintain compliance with follow-up physician appointments and be accommodative to the plan of dose changes, until you show an optimum response with regards to blood pressure control.
- Notify your physician, if your blood pressure numbers continue to be high or if they are getting any worse further, despite compliance with medication intake, as recommended. Report any continuing symptoms of hypertension, such as, episodes of headache, pounding in the chest, neck, and ears, fatigue with difficulty in breathing, chest pain and irregular heartbeat, vision problems, dizziness and confusion, so that, your medication dose could be revised or an alternative plan of care considered.
- Catapres is partially metabolized in the liver to inactive metabolites. If liver function is deficient, the metabolism of Catapres can be compromised. This can lead to increased blood levels of the medication for longer periods of time, resulting in increased risk for side-effects and consequent toxicity. So, Catapres must be used with caution in individuals with compromised liver function, with periodical monitoring for liver functions and development of any toxic symptoms.
