Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Clonidine as follows: Central nervous system side-effects                               The bradycardia and hypotension caused by clonidine can lead to episodes of confusion and dizziness, thus increasing the risk for fall and accidents. Starting the medication at a low dose, watching for the response, and gradually changing the dose, to help optimum control of your symptoms, can contribute to controlling/reducing the risk for drowsiness and dizziness due to the medication. [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Clonidine as follows: General allergic reactions                                  Clonidine use can result in general allergic reactions, such as, skin rashes, hives, and itching. Some patients can present with symptoms of severe allergic and anaphylactic response, such as, swelling of face, lips, throat, and tongue, with consequent difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical help for such findings, especially with difficulty breathing, for any appropriate measures to be considered. Cardiovascular side-effects  Clonidine, [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on how to take Clonidine as follows: Take the medication at the same time every day, to avoid forgetting the medication. Maintain strict compliance with intake of the medication as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of the medication. Do not change the dose on this medication without consulting your doctor. Take a blood pressure reading always before you take the pill. Maintain a log of every [...]

Patient/caregiver was instructed upon and mechanism of action of clonidine as follows: Norepinephrine stimulates the alpha-1 receptors in the peripheral arteries, resulting in constriction or narrowing of blood vessels. Narrowing of the blood vessels result in increased peripheral resistance and blood pressure. Alpha-2 receptors are located in the medulla of brain and in the smooth muscle of peripheral arteries. Clonidine is an alpha-2 receptor agonist, which mainly stimulates these receptors located in the brain and [...]

Patient/caregiver was instructed upon the role of alpha receptors in blood pressure regulation as follows: Norepinephrine stimulates the alpha-1 receptors in the peripheral arteries, resulting in constriction or narrowing of blood vessels.  Narrowing of the blood vessels result in increased peripheral resistance and blood pressure. Alpha-2 receptors are located in the medulla of brain and in the smooth muscle of peripheral arteries. Stimulation of alpha-2 receptors in the brain result in reduced norepinephrine release, consequently [...]