Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Catapres as follows: Catapres use can induce extreme dry mouth and constipation. Sucking on ice chip or a sugar free hard candy can help with symptomatic relief of dry mouth. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations can help with relief from constipation. If you experience any further bothersome constipation, report it to your physician for a recommendation on laxative/stool softener use. [...]

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 [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Catapres as follows: Continue taking Catapres as ordered, even if your symptoms are under control. Abrupt discontinuation on Catapres intake can result in precipitating the hypertensive episodes back again. Poorly controlled blood pressure can lead to increased workload on the heart, thus contributing to debility and progression to heart failure. Sudden discontinuing on Catapres can also result in extremely elevated blood pressure and stroke. Discontinuing [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Catapres as follows: Catapres 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. If the blood pressure and/or heart rate gets too low, secondary to Catapres use, it can result in some dizziness [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Catapres as follows: Try changing the positions very slowly while using Catapres, as sudden change of positions can deteriorate the hypotensive episodes, make the dizziness even worse and precipitate accidents and falls. Catapres 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 [...]