What is Guanfacine?
Guanfacine is a treatment for hypertension of the blood (hypertension). It can be used in conjunction with other blood pressure medications.
It is the Intuniv brand of guanfacine that can be used to treat the condition known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Guanfacine can also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.
Side effects of Guanfacine
Contact a medical professional immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you notice warning signs of an allergic response, such as symptoms of hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, and throat.
Guanfacine could cause severe adverse effects. Contact your physician immediately in the event of:
- Anxiety, nervousness;
- Hallucinations (especially for children);
- Extreme sleepiness;
- Slower heartbeats;
- A lightheaded sensation, similar to passing out;
When you cease taking Guanfacine, inform your doctor if you experience headaches, confusion, rapid heartbeats, tremors, high blood pressure, or are feeling anxious or nervous. If not treated, such symptoms can cause extreme hypertension, vision issues, and seizures.
Common adverse effects of guanfacine could include:
- Dizziness, drowsiness;
- Lower blood pressure and slow heartbeats
- Being tired or angry;
- Difficulty sleep;
- Dry mouth
- Stomach pain, nausea, and constipation.
This is not a comprehensive list of all the side effects. Other side effects could be present. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Only use according to the directions. Talk to your doctor if you take other medications or suffer from any other medical condition or allergy.
Before you Take this Drug
Guanfacine is not a good choice if you have an allergy to it.
Intuniv is not a product that has been approved for use by anyone younger than six years old. Guanfacine is not permitted for use by anyone less than 12 years old.
Speak to your doctor if you are ever diagnosed with:
- Heart issues, coronary artery disease (clogged arteries);
- A heart rhythm disorder
- A heart attack and stroke;
- Low or high blood pressure
- The liver condition
- Kidney disease.
It isn't known if the guanfacine used in this product will harm an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant.
It is not recommended to breastfeed your baby while taking this medication. Consult your doctor regarding the potential dangers.
How to Take Guanfacine?
Follow the directions on the prescription label and read the medication guide or instructions sheets. The doctor might alter your dosage. Follow the medication exactly as prescribed.
Beware of taking guanfacine when eating high-fat food items, as your body may absorb the medication too quickly.Intuniv: Take Intuniv by drinking a glass of milk, water, or any other liquid.Consume guanfacine at night to help ease the drowsiness.Take your tablet in its entirety. tablet in its entirety and don't crush, chew, or break it.
If your child is taking this medication, inform your physician if they are experiencing changes in their weight. Intuniv doses are determined by the weight of children, and any changes could affect the dosage of your child.
You shouldn't stop taking guanfacine in a hurry. A sudden stop could raise the blood pressure in your body and cause uncomfortable symptoms.Contact your doctor if you are suffering from nausea and are unable to take your medication as normal.The dose you take could be altered if you change to an alternative brand, strength, or dosage of this medication. Be sure to use only the strength and form the doctor recommends.Your doctor should monitor your performance regularly. Your heart rate and blood pressure might also need to be examined.
If you are suffering from hypertension, you should continue taking guanfacine even when you feel good. A high blood pressure can have no indications. It is possible that you will need medication for high blood pressure throughout your life.Maintain at room temperature, free of heat, moisture, and light.
Details on Dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:
Initial dosage: 1 mg taken orally, once a day, before bedtime. It may be increased to 2 mg once per day if the desired result is not obtained after 3 or 4 weeks.
The risk of adverse reactions increases substantially when doses are higher than 3 mg/day.
Usual Paediatric Dose for Attention Deficit Disorder:
6 YEARS TO LESS THAN 18 YEARS:
Initial dosage: 1 mg taken every day orally, at either the beginning of the day or in the evening around the same time throughout the day. The dose can be adjusted in small increments, not more than 1 mg per week.
The recommended dose is 0.05 up to 0.12 mg/kg/day (total daily dose of between 1 and 7 mg) every day, depending on the clinical response and tolerance.
Maximum dose: 6–12 years: doses over 4 mg/day are not assessed; 13–17 years: Doses that exceed 7 mg/day are not examined.
Comments on Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) might require treatment over an extended period of time. Healthcare doctors should review their patients' treatment regularly and alter dosage as required.
Treatment: Treatment for ADHD as a monotherapy or as a supplement therapy to stimulant medication
Usual Paediatric Dose for Hypertension:
12 YEARS OR OLDER:
Initial dosage: 1 mg taken orally every night at bedtime. It is possible to increase the dose to 2 mg twice daily if the desired result is not seen after 3 to 4 weeks.
Comment: The incidence of adverse reactions rises dramatically when it exceeds 3 mg/day.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
It is important to take your medication in the shortest time possible. However, avoid any missed doses if you are close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at once.
Contact your doctor for advice in the event that you missed more than two doses in a row.
What Happens If I Overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
The symptoms of an overdose can include extreme sleepiness, a slow heart rate, and feeling like you're going to pass out.
What Should be Avoided?
Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you understand the effects of guanfacine on your body. Your reaction could be affected.
Drinking alcohol can cause an increase in certain adverse effects associated with guanfacine.
Interaction with Other Drugs
There are times when it's not recommended to take certain medications simultaneously. Certain medications can alter the blood levels of other medications you are taking, which could create side effects or render the drugs less effective.
Utilising guanfacine along with other medications that cause drowsiness can cause more of this. Consult your physician before taking opioid medication, a sleep pill or muscle relaxer, or medication to treat anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Inform your doctor about the other medications you take. Certain medications can affect guanfacine, specifically:
- Ketoconazole;
- An aesthetic, such as phenobarbital;
- Blood pressure medication;
- Medication to treat mental illness
- A sedative such as Valium or Xanax.
This list isn't complete. Other medications can affect the guanfacine molecule, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some interactions with drugs may not be listed here. are included here.
