Guanfacine
Hypertension, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
No
Pharmaceutical Class
Central alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist
Controlled Drug Substance
No
Guanfacine
Summary
Guanfacine is used to treat ADHD, which is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and high blood pressure. It helps improve focus and reduce impulsivity in ADHD and relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure.
Guanfacine works by affecting alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, which are parts of the brain that help improve focus and reduce impulsivity in ADHD. For high blood pressure, it relaxes blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.
The usual starting dose for adults is 1 mg once daily, with a maximum of 4 mg per day. It can be taken with or without food, usually in the morning or evening. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. These effects are usually mild and may improve over time. If you experience severe side effects, contact your doctor.
Guanfacine can cause low blood pressure, leading to dizziness. Avoid driving until you know how it affects you. Do not use if allergic to it. Inform your doctor about any heart problems or other medications you take.
Indications and Purpose
How does Guanfacine work?
Guanfacine works by affecting certain receptors in the brain called alpha-2 adrenergic receptors. This action helps improve focus and reduce impulsivity in people with ADHD, which is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. For high blood pressure, Guanfacine helps relax blood vessels, lowering blood pressure. Think of it like adjusting the volume on a radio to find the right balance. By targeting these receptors, Guanfacine helps manage symptoms effectively. Always follow your doctor's instructions when taking Guanfacine to ensure the best outcomes.
Is Guanfacine effective?
Guanfacine is effective for treating conditions like ADHD, which is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and high blood pressure. It works by affecting certain receptors in the brain to improve focus and reduce impulsivity in ADHD. For high blood pressure, Guanfacine helps relax blood vessels, lowering blood pressure. Clinical studies support its effectiveness in managing these conditions. Your doctor will monitor your progress to ensure Guanfacine is working well for you. If you have concerns about its effectiveness, discuss them with your healthcare provider.
What is Guanfacine?
Guanfacine is a medication used to treat ADHD, which is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and high blood pressure. It belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-2 adrenergic agonists, which work by affecting certain receptors in the brain to improve focus and reduce impulsivity. For high blood pressure, Guanfacine helps relax blood vessels, lowering blood pressure. It can be used alone or with other therapies, depending on your health needs. Always follow your doctor's instructions when taking Guanfacine.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Guanfacine?
Guanfacine is usually taken long-term for managing conditions like ADHD, which is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or high blood pressure. The duration of use depends on your body's response, any side effects, and changes in your overall health. Your doctor will guide you on how long to take Guanfacine based on your specific health needs. Always talk with your doctor before changing or stopping your Guanfacine treatment to ensure your condition remains well-managed and your treatment is safe.
How do I dispose of Guanfacine?
To dispose of Guanfacine, take it to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of it properly to prevent harm to people or the environment. If a take-back program isn't available, you can throw it in the trash at home. First, remove it from its original container, mix it with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal it in a plastic bag, and throw it away. This helps prevent accidental ingestion by children or pets.
How do I take Guanfacine?
Guanfacine is usually taken once daily, either in the morning or evening, as directed by your doctor. You can take it with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush or chew it. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's close to your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Avoid alcohol while taking Guanfacine, as it can increase side effects like drowsiness. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions.
How long does it take for Guanfacine to start working?
Guanfacine starts working in your body shortly after you take it, but you may not notice all the benefits right away. For ADHD, which is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, you might see improvements in focus and behavior within a few weeks. For high blood pressure, it may take a few weeks to see significant changes in blood pressure readings. How quickly Guanfacine works can depend on your overall health and other factors. Take it exactly as prescribed for the best results.
How should I store Guanfacine?
Store Guanfacine at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Keep it in a tightly closed container to protect it from damage. Avoid storing it in humid places like bathrooms, as moisture can affect its effectiveness. If your pills came in packaging that isn't child-resistant, transfer them to a container that children can't easily open. Always store Guanfacine out of children's reach to prevent accidental ingestion. Check the expiration date regularly and properly dispose of any unused or expired medication.
What is the usual dose of Guanfacine?
The usual starting dose of Guanfacine for adults is 1 mg once daily. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your response and needs. The maximum recommended dose is 4 mg per day. For children or the elderly, dose adjustments may be necessary, and careful monitoring is important. Always follow your doctor's specific dosing instructions for your health needs. Do not change your dose without consulting your healthcare provider, as this could affect the effectiveness and safety of your treatment.
Warnings and Precautions
Can Guanfacine be taken safely while breastfeeding?
The safety of Guanfacine while breastfeeding is not well-established. It's unclear if Guanfacine passes into breast milk or affects milk supply. If you're breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, discuss the risks and benefits of Guanfacine with your doctor. They can help determine the safest treatment plan for you and your baby. It's important to manage your health condition while ensuring your baby's safety, so always follow your healthcare provider's guidance.
Can Guanfacine be taken safely while pregnant?
The safety of Guanfacine during pregnancy is not well-established. Limited evidence makes it difficult to provide definitive advice. Animal studies suggest potential risks, but human data is lacking. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of Guanfacine with your doctor. They can help determine the safest treatment plan for you and your baby. It's important to manage your health condition during pregnancy, so always follow your healthcare provider's guidance.
Can I take Guanfacine with other prescription drugs?
Guanfacine can interact with other medications, increasing the risk of side effects or reducing effectiveness. Major interactions include those with other blood pressure medications, which can cause excessively low blood pressure. Moderate interactions may occur with sedatives, which can increase drowsiness. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking to prevent interactions. They can adjust your treatment plan to ensure safety and effectiveness. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider to manage your health condition safely.
Does Guanfacine have adverse effects?
Adverse effects are unwanted reactions to a medication. Common adverse effects of Guanfacine include drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. These effects are usually mild and may improve over time. Serious side effects, like low blood pressure or heart problems, are rare but require immediate medical attention. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, contact your doctor. They can help determine if Guanfacine is the cause and suggest ways to manage these effects. Always report adverse effects to ensure your treatment is safe and effective.
Does Guanfacine have any safety warnings?
Yes, Guanfacine has important safety warnings. It can cause low blood pressure, which is when your blood pressure drops too low, leading to dizziness or fainting. Be cautious when standing up quickly. Guanfacine can also cause drowsiness, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. If you experience severe side effects like chest pain or difficulty breathing, seek medical help immediately. Always follow your doctor's instructions and report any new or worsening symptoms to ensure safe use of Guanfacine.
Is Guanfacine addictive?
Guanfacine is not considered addictive or habit-forming. It does not cause dependency or withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. Guanfacine works by affecting certain receptors in the brain to help manage conditions like ADHD, which is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and high blood pressure. This mechanism does not lead to addiction. If you have concerns about medication dependence, discuss them with your doctor. They can provide reassurance and guidance on how to use Guanfacine safely and effectively for your health condition.
Is Guanfacine safe for the elderly?
The safety and efficacy of Guanfacine in geriatric patients have not been established. Therefore, it is not typically recommended for use in the elderly. If prescribed, careful monitoring for side effects such as hypotension and bradycardia is advised.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Guanfacine?
It's best to avoid alcohol while taking Guanfacine. Alcohol can increase side effects like drowsiness and dizziness, which can be dangerous. It may also interfere with the medication's effectiveness. If you choose to drink occasionally, limit your alcohol intake and be aware of how it affects you. Talk with your doctor about alcohol use while taking Guanfacine to get personalized advice based on your specific health situation. Always prioritize your safety and well-being.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Guanfacine?
You can exercise while taking Guanfacine, but be cautious. This medication can cause drowsiness or dizziness, which might affect your ability to exercise safely. Start with light activities and see how your body responds. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, stop exercising and rest. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Most people can maintain their regular exercise routine while taking Guanfacine, but check with your doctor if you have concerns about your specific situation.
Is it safe to stop Guanfacine?
It's important not to stop Guanfacine suddenly without consulting your doctor. Stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms like increased heart rate or blood pressure. Guanfacine is often used long-term for conditions like ADHD, which is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or high blood pressure. Your doctor may suggest gradually reducing the dose to prevent withdrawal effects. Always talk with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen to ensure your treatment remains safe and effective.
What are the most common side effects of Guanfacine?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur with medication use. Common side effects of Guanfacine include drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. These effects are usually mild and may decrease as your body adjusts to the medication. If you experience new symptoms after starting Guanfacine, they might be temporary or unrelated to the medication. It's important to talk with your doctor before stopping any medication. They can help determine if the side effects are related to Guanfacine and suggest ways to manage them.
Who should avoid taking Guanfacine?
Guanfacine should not be used if you are allergic to it or its ingredients. Serious allergic reactions, which cause rash, hives, or swelling that makes breathing difficult, require immediate medical help. Caution is needed if you have heart problems or low blood pressure, as Guanfacine can affect heart rate and blood pressure. Always inform your doctor about your medical history and any other medications you are taking. They can help determine if Guanfacine is safe for you and provide guidance on its use.
