Arkamin: price, uses & cheaper substitutes

Arkamin contains clonidine 100 mcg. It lowers high blood pressure by calming the nerve signals that tighten blood vessels, and is usually added when other BP medicines are not enough. Doctors also use it for menopausal hot flushes and to ease opioid or alcohol withdrawal.

Stopping clonidine abruptly can cause rebound hypertension – a sharp, dangerous rise in blood pressure with a pounding heart, headache and anxiety within a day or two. Always taper the dose with your doctor and never let your tablets run out.

Avoid it. Alcohol makes the drowsiness and dizziness of clonidine much worse and can cause fainting.

Yes, drowsiness and dry mouth are the most common side effects, especially at the start. Avoid driving until you know how it affects you; the sedation often eases over a few weeks.