Kapvay

(Clonidine hydrochloride) 

 

 

 

 Full Prescribing Information 

 DailyMed Drug Information 

 

 

 

 

 Forms/Strengths 

 

 Tablets: 0.1 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.3 mg 

 

 

 Dosing 

 

 Age: ≥ 6 y/o 

 Onset:  

 Duration: 12-24 hours 

 Considerations: Monitor for hypotension, bradycardia, and sedation. Titrate slowly. 

 Initial Dose: 0.1 mg orally once daily at bedtime 

 Titration: Increase by 0.1 mg weekly 

 Max Dose: 0.4 mg once daily 

 

 

 Quick Facts 

 

 Selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist; reduces sympathetic outflow 

 Improves prefrontal cortex regulation; decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity 

 Extended-release formulation for adjunctive ADHD management; may improve sleep 

 Less effective for inattention compared to stimulants 

 Common side effects: drowsiness, sedation, dry mouth, hypotension 

 

 

 Indications 

 

   ADHD (ICD-10: F90.0) 

 

 

 Off-Label Uses 

 

   

 

 

 How to Take 

 

 Take twice daily , with doses about 12 hours apart . 

 Swallow the tablet whole ; do not crush, chew, or split. 

 Can be taken with or without food , but be consistent with food intake for stable absorption. 

 If a dose is missed , take it as soon as possible unless it is close to the next dose—do not double up. 

 Do not abruptly stop taking; tapering may be required to prevent rebound hypertension . 

 

 

 Side Effects 

 

 Common: Somnolence, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, increased heart rate, nasal congestion, irritability, throat pain, rash. 

 Serious: Hypotension, bradycardia, cardiac conduction abnormalities. 

 

 

 Monitoring / Labs 

 

 Monitor heart rate and blood pressure prior to initiation, following dose increases, and periodically during therapy. 

 

 

 Education 

 

 

 When to Call the Doctor: 

 

 Severe dizziness, fainting, or low blood pressure . 

 Slow or irregular heart rate. 

 Excessive drowsiness or difficulty waking. 

 Mood changes, depression, or unusual behavior. 

 Severe headache, blurred vision, or confusion ( possible hypertensive rebound if stopped abruptly ). 

 

 

 

 Safety Tips: 

 

 Monitor blood pressure and heart rate regularly. 

 Avoid alcohol and sedatives , which may enhance drowsiness. 

 Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions to prevent dizziness. 

 Use caution when driving or operating heavy machinery due to possible sedation. 

 Taper gradually when discontinuing to avoid withdrawal symptoms. 

 

 

 

 Parent Tips for Pediatric Patients: 

 

 May cause daytime drowsiness ; consider giving the larger dose at bedtime if drowsiness is problematic. 

 Monitor for irritability, mood swings, or behavioral changes . 

 Encourage hydration and balanced nutrition to minimize side effects. 

 Ensure children do not engage in high-risk activities (e.g., swimming, biking) if excessively drowsy . 

 Store in child-proof packaging to prevent accidental overdose. 

 

 

 

 

 Additional Information 

 

 

 Contraindications: 

 

 Hypersensitivity to clonidine or formulation components. 

 Use with caution in patients with severe heart disease, bradycardia, or hypotension . 

 

 

 

 Pregnancy: 

 

 Category C ; use only if benefits outweigh risks. 

 May cause neonatal withdrawal symptoms . 

 

 

 

 Lactation: 

 

 Excreted in breast milk ; use with caution due to potential effects on infant blood pressure. 

 

 

 

 Drug Interactions: 

 

 CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines) may increase sedation. 

 Beta-blockers may enhance bradycardia; caution when using together. 

 Stimulants (e.g., amphetamines) may counteract Kapvay’s effects. 

 Antihypertensive medications may lead to excessive blood pressure lowering.