Kapvay

Generic name: clonidine (oral)
Drug class: Antiadrenergic agents, centrally acting

Medically reviewed by A Ras MD.

What is Kapvay used for?

Kapvay is a prescription medicine that is used to treat attention deficit problems with hyperactivity. Kapvay may be given to you for other reasons.

Description

KAPVAY (clonidine hydrochloride) extended-release is a centrally acting alpha2-adrenergic agonist available as 0.1 mg extended-release tablets for oral administration. Each 0.1 mg tablet is equivalent to 0.087 mg of the free base.

The inactive ingredients are sodium lauryl sulfate, lactose monohydrate, hypromellose type 2208, partially pregelatinized starch, colloidal silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate. The formulation is designed to delay the absorption of active drug in order to decrease peak to trough plasma concentration differences. Clonidine hydrochloride is an imidazoline derivative and exists as a mesomeric compound. The chemical name is 2-(2,6-dichlorophenylamino)-2-imidazoline hydrochloride. The following is the structural formula:

C9H9Cl2N3•HCl
Mol. Wt. 266.56

Clonidine hydrochloride is an odorless, bitter, white, crystalline substance soluble in water and alcohol.

Mechanism of Action

Clonidine stimulates alpha2-adrenergic receptors in the brain. Clonidine is not a central nervous system stimulant. The mechanism of action of clonidine in ADHD is not known.

Before taking Kapvay, tell your doctor:

If you are allergic to Kapvay; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you are taking another drug that has the same drug in it.
If you are taking any of these drugs: Digoxin, diltiazem, verapamil, or a beta blocker like metoprolol or propranolol.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Kapvay with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Kapvay?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take Kapvay. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how Kapvay affects you.
To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs.
Check blood pressure and heart rate as the doctor has told you.
If you are taking Kapvay and have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before using OTC products that may raise blood pressure. These include cough or cold drugs, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and some natural products or aids.
Be careful in hot weather or while being active. Drink lots of fluids to stop fluid loss.
Avoid alcohol or other drugs and natural products that slow your actions.
Talk with your doctor to find out what to do if you throw up after taking a dose of Kapvay.
If you are 65 or older, use Kapvay with care. You could have more side effects.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is Kapvay best taken?

Use Kapvay as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

Take with or without food.
Take Kapvay at the same time of day.
Keep taking Kapvay as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
Do not stop taking Kapvay all of a sudden without calling your doctor. You may have a greater risk of side effects. If you need to stop Kapvay, you will want to slowly stop it as ordered by your doctor.
Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
If you have trouble swallowing, talk with your doctor.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are the side effects of Kapvay that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Very bad dizziness or passing out.
Fast, slow, or abnormal heartbeat.
Change in how contact lenses feel in the eyes.

What are some other side effects of Kapvay?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Dry mouth.
Constipation.
Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak.
Headache.
Upset stomach.
Trouble sleeping.
Bad dreams.
Not hungry.
Stomach pain.
Feeling irritable.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Kapvay?

Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.