Catapres is an anti-hypertensive medication containing clonidine 150mcg used to treat essential hypertension.
Clonidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used to treat high blood pressure of unknown cause. It may be used on its own to treat hypertension or may be used combined with other blood pressure lowering medications.
Catapres acts by relaxing and widening blood vessels to help lower blood pressure. Slow titration of doses is recommended when initiating treatment. Low doses are used to start with then incremental dosage increases are made every 2-4 weeks until adequate blood pressure control is achieved. Mild to moderate hypertension is typically controlled in the 150-450mcg daily dosage range.