Clonidine is a medication with many different uses. Its primary function is to serve as an antihypertensive, which treats high-blood pressure (hypertension). This is done when the Clonidine controls nerve impulses along certain pathways. This results in relaxed blood vessels and easier blood flow. This medication is also used to treat patients with Tourette Syndrome, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and heroin addiction.
The brand-name in the United States is Catapres. The brand-names in Canada are Catapres and Dixarit. In the United States, the medication can be taken as a pill, or through the use of a skin patch. This drug exists only in pill form in Canada. The most common side effects are fatigue, dizziness and spells of light-headedness due to the reduced blood pressure.