GUANFACINE

Overview

GUANFACINE is a Schedule H drug.
Guanfacine reduces nerve impulses in your heart and blood vessels. Guanfacine works by relaxing blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow. This medication is an alpha agonist, prescribed for high blood pressure (hypertension). It is sometimes given with other blood pressure medications. The Intuniv brand of guanfacine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Do not stop taking this medication all of a sudden because your blood pressure may increase rapidly. Swallow the extended-release tablets whole. Do not chew, crush or break them. Guanfacine can cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.

Usage

GUANFACINE is generally used to treat: Hypertension, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it safe on my liver?
A: Not Safe

Q: Is it safe on my kidney?
A: Not Safe

Q: Can I take it with alcohol?
A: Not Safe

Q: Is it safe for children?
A: Ask your doctor

Q: Can it be taken during pregnancy?
A: Considered as Generally Safe – not enough studies to prove risk

Q: Is it safe to take for someone breastfeeding?
A: Check with your Doctor first

How Do I Take It?

Route of Administration: Oral

Precautions

  • You should not stop using guanfacine suddenly. Stopping suddenly can raise your blood pressure and cause unpleasant symptoms.
  • Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how guanfacine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of guanfacine.
  • Caution should be exercised in patients with history of stroke, low blood pressure, slow heart rate, bipolar disorder, heart, kidney or liver disease, any allergy, who are taking other medications, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  • It may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.
  • It may cause dehydration; drink adequate fluid.
  • Before taking guanfacine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies.
  • During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
  • It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before breast-feeding.

Symptoms of Overdosage

GUANFACINE over-dosage can result in: Drowsiness, Dizziness, Fatigue (tiredness)

Common Side-Effects

GUANFACINE : Confusion, Dizziness, Fainting, Lightheadedness, Body Excessive Sweating, Fatigue (tiredness), Cough, Depressed Mood, Noisy Breathing

Serious Side-Effects

GUANFACINE : Eyes Blurred Vision, Chest Pain, Difficulty Breathing, Rapid Heart Rate (pulse), Slow Heart Rate (pulse), Slow Or Irregular Breathing

Disease Interactions

GUANFACINE can interfere with: Heart Block, Sinus Node Disease, Depression, Hypotension, Ischemic Heart Disease, Hyperkinetic Disorder, Acute Liver Failure, Acute Renal Failure

Technical Classification

GUANFACINE is categorized as: ANTIADRENERGIC AGENTS, CENTRALLY ACTING / CARDIOVASCULAR AGENTS

Storage Conditions

Room Temperature (Between 15 To 25 C)

Available Alternatives

What are the other drugs with similar Ingredients?

GUANFACINEGUANFACINE