Brand-name Catapres is made by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Generic forms of this medication are made by various manufacturers.
Catapres belongs to a group of medications known as alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. It works by stimulating alpha-2 receptors in the brainstem. This causes a decrease in both
blood pressure and heart rate. There is also some evidence that Catapres may decrease certain substances (such as renin or aldosterone) in the body, an action that might also contribute to decreased blood pressure.
When and How to Take Catapres
Some general considerations for those taking Catapres include the following:
- Catapres comes in tablet or patch form (this article applies only to the tablet form). It is usually taken by mouth twice a day.
- You can take it either with a meal or on an empty stomach.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Catapres will not work if you stop taking it.
- In general, this medication should not be stopped suddenly, as serious problems may result.
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