Catapres (Clonidine Hydrochloride)

The list below contains only a small selection of available compounds. Only the tablet form has been listed. The substance clonidine hydrochloride may be administered in various other forms including capsules, injectable solutions, ampules, and eye drops. Forty additional compounds are available abroad which, due to the limited space, have not been listed here.

Catapres is an anti-hypertensive drug. In school medicine it is used to reduce high blood pressure. High blood pressure caused by steroids can be lowered by taking Catapres. Athletes became interested in this drug when medical research reported that Catapres stimulates the endogenous production of the growth hormones. It should also be taken before going to sleep at night and in the morning immediately after getting up. Some athletes take a 0.3 mg tablet at night and a 0.15 mg tablet on an empty stomach immediately after waking up in the morning. The nightly dose increases the concentration of growth hormones for several hours, which then again can be increased by taking the morning dose. The achieved serum concentration is significantly above the normal value so that Catapres does have a considerable anabolic effect. Athletes, however, rarely use it since it has several undesirable side effects such as lethargy, fatigue, dry mouth, potency disturbances, and vertigo. Those who have a low blood pressure and a low heart rate should be extremely careful when using it. One hundred tablets are available for approx.