Kapvay ratings & reviews

Clonidine
Company: Shionogi
Brand: Kapvay
+1 more
Kapvay, Catapres
Drug class: Central and Peripheral Nervous System
+4 more
Central and Peripheral Nervous System, Psychoanaleptics Excluding Anti-obesity Agents, ADHD Agents, ADHD Adjunct Agents, ADHD Agents, Non-stimulant
Overall rating
3.2
full star full star full star empty star empty star
Ranked #20
Physician ratings
  • Efficacy: effective for its intended use
  • Safety: safe to use in humans
  • Tolerability: low drug side effects
  • Accessibility: insurance/payer coverage, cost, affordability,formulary coverage, availability in your hospital or practice setting
  • Adherence: patient compliance with treatment
Efficacy
3.1/5
Safety
3.2/5
Tolerability
3.2/5
Accessibility
3.4/5
Adherence
3.1/5

Sermo AI Overview

  • Kapvay is recognized as a useful option for children with ADHD who struggle with other medications, though it is often viewed as a second-line treatment rather than a primary option due to varying efficacy ratings among practitioners.
  • While Kapvay is seen as an add-on treatment for ADHD, its efficacy in managing severe pain is generally reported as weak, with little success reported in treating patients effectively for this indication.
  • In general practice, Kapvay is not widely utilized for severe pain, receiving mixed reviews and showing efficacy ratings that range from low to moderate, highlighting the need for better treatment alternatives.
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Based on insights from Sermo’s triple verified physicians

Description

Kapvay contains the active ingredient clonidine hydrochloride in an extended-release tablet form. It is an alpha-adrenergic agonist intended for oral administration, available in a dosage strength of 0.1 mg. Key inactive ingredients include sodium lauryl sulfate, lactose monohydrate, and magnesium stearate. The medication is formulated to delay absorption and decrease fluctuations in plasma concentration levels.

Source: This information is sourced from FDA and powered by AI

Dosage & Administration

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the tablets whole. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Side Effects

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
  • Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Bleeding in the brain
  • Heart disease
  • High or low blood pressure
  • History of slow or irregular heartbeat
  • Kidney disease
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to clonidine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • MAOIs, such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Alcohol
  • Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, or irregular heart beat
  • Certain medications for mental health conditions
  • Certain medications for seizures, such as phenobarbital
  • Medications that help you fall asleep

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Check your heart rate and blood pressure as directed. Know what your heart rate and blood pressure should be, and when to contact your care team.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

Avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated.

Do not suddenly stop taking this medication. You may develop a severe reaction. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take. If your care team wants you to stop the medication, the dose may be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem doesn't go away or is severe.

Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.

Disclaimer

The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.

Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.

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