What is Guanfacine? Uses, warnings & side effects
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Guanfacine overview
BRAND NAMES:
Intuniv, Intuniv
Generic Names:
Guanfacine Hcl
Uses:
Treats high blood pressure and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Therapeutic Classes:
Antihypertensive, Cardiovascular Agent, Central Nervous System Agent
Forms:
Tablet, Long Acting Tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Guanfacine used for?
Guanfacine is a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This drug is thought to act on brain receptors that improve memory, reduce distraction, and improve attention. Guanfacine is a generic drug also sold under the brand names Tenex and Intuniv. This drug was approved by the US FDA in 2010. In the treatment of ADHD, guanfacine use is common.
What form(s) does Guanfacine come in?
Tablet
Long Acting Tablet
What are common Guanfacine dosages?
Tablet 1MG
Tablet 2MG
Guanfacine images - What does Guanfacine look like?
guanFACINE HCl
1mg tabletguanFACINE HCl
2mg tablet
How to take Guanfacine
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
For patients with high blood pressure: Take the dose at bedtime unless your doctor tells you differently. This may help you avoid being drowsy during the day.
For patients with ADHD: Take the extended-release tablet at the same time each day, either in the morning or evening. It should not be taken with high-fat meals.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Check with your doctor if you miss your dose of the extended-release tablets for 2 or more days in a row.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
For patients with ADHD: Take the extended-release tablet at the same time each day, either in the morning or evening. It should not be taken with high-fat meals.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Check with your doctor if you miss your dose of the extended-release tablets for 2 or more days in a row.
For patients with high blood pressure: Take the dose at bedtime unless your doctor tells you differently. This may help you avoid being drowsy during the day.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
What to do if you miss a dose of Guanfacine
Guanfacine contraindications - Who shouldn't take Guanfacine?
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to guanfacine.
Guanfacine warnings
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. Your doctor will also check your blood pressure and heart rate while you are using this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart or blood vessel problems, heart rhythm problems, or have had a recent heart attack or stroke.
This medicine may cause the following problems:Low blood pressureSlow heartbeatIncreased blood pressure and heart rate after suddenly stopping this medicine (rebound hypertension)
This medicine can make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded, especially if you are dehydrated. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Guanfacine interactions & what to avoid when taking Guanfacine
Some foods and medicines can affect how guanfacine works. Tell your doctor if you are using carbamazepine, efavirenz, fluconazole, ketoconazole, or rifampin.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. Your doctor will also check your blood pressure and heart rate while you are using this medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Guanfacine side effects - How does Guanfacine make you feel?
Serious Side Effects
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Chest pain, trouble breathing
Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat
Headache, confusion, tremors, nervousness
Less Serious Side Effects
Decreased appetite
Diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain
Tiredness or weakness
Dry mouth
Drowsiness or sleepiness
Trouble sleeping
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