Clonidine Oral, Transdermal and Cranberry

• Generic Name: clonidine
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Catapres, Kapvay, Catapres-TTS, Duraclon, Catapres-TTS-1, Catapres-TTS-2, Catapres-TTS-3

Clonidine is used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk for heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if the blood pressure is controlled.

Clonidine belongs to the class of medicines called antihypertensives. It works in the brain to change some of the nerve impulses. As a result, the blood vessels relax and blood passes through them more easily, which lowers blood pressure. When the blood pressure is lowered, the amount of blood and oxygen going to the heart is increased.

Clonidine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it does help control it. Therefore, you must continue to use it as directed if you expect to lower your blood pressure and keep it down. You might have to take high blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

Kapvay® extended-release tablets is used alone or together with other medicines to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by increasing attention and decreasing restlessness in children and adults who are overactive, cannot concentrate for very long, or are easily distracted and impulsive. Clonidine is used as part of a total treatment program that also includes social, educational, and psychological treatment.

Clonidine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

• Generic Name: cranberry
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: AZO Cranberry Gummies, Azo-Cranberry, Ellura, TheraCran HP, Cranberry Fruit, TheraCran HP for Kids, Cranberry with Hibiscus, TheraCran One

Cranberry is produced from the berry fruit of a North American evergreen shrub. Cranberry is acidic and can interfere with unwanted bacteria in the urinary tract. Cranberry is also believed to act as a diuretic ("water pill").

Cranberry (as juice or in capsules) has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in preventing symptoms such as pain or burning with urination. Cranberry will not treat the bacteria that causes a bladder infection.

Other uses not proven with research have included: urination problems caused by an enlarged prostate; reducing urine odor to improve quality of life in people with urinary incontinence; or healing the skin around the opening of a urostomy (a surgical opening formed to direct urine away from the bladder).

It is not certain whether cranberry is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Cranberry should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Cranberry is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Cranberry may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.