Type of medicine: analgesic (pain medicine)
Generic and brand names: clonidine hydrochloride, epidural; Duraclon
This medicine is given by epidural infusion (a shot into the spinal cord) to treat severe pain caused by cancer. It is usually used with strong pain relievers when they alone have not stopped the pain. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Also tell your provider if you are taking medicine that reduces the chance of blood clots forming.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while receiving this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Your healthcare provider will start this medicine. Your dosage depends on how severe your pain is and how you respond to treatment. After your provider knows how you respond to this medicine, you may be able to use this medicine at home. Make sure you understand how to use this medicine. Keep all your appointments and follow your healthcare provider's orders exactly.
This medicine is given using a special drug pump. Check the pump and tube regularly to make sure the infusion has not stopped. Also check the area around the pump for any signs of infection such as redness or swelling. Contact your healthcare provider right away if your infusion stops for any reason or if you have a fever or signs of infection.
Do not stop using this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. When you need to stop using this medicine, your healthcare provider will gradually reduce your dosage.
This medicine may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
This medicine increases the effects of alcohol and medicines that slow down the nervous system. Do not drink alcohol or take other medicines unless your healthcare provider approves.
You may need to have your blood pressure checked regularly because this medicine may cause it to become too low. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
You may feel dizzy or faint when you get up quickly after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may help.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider): Feeling dizzy, faint, or lightheaded; slow heartbeat; pain or redness at the injection site; fever.
Other: Dry mouth, nausea, drowsiness, confusion, vomiting, chest pain, anxiety, ringing in your ears, sweating.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Do not drink alcohol while receiving these injections.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
