What is Guanfacine?

Guanfacine is an oral medication used to treat high blood pressure in adults and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. It is categorized as an antihyperintensive or alpha agonist and works by improving blood flow and the brain's ability to concentrate. The medication is available as a regular tablet for high blood pressure and an extended release tablet for ADHD. Guanfacine can interfere with certain medications and affect some medical conditions. Side effects are usually mild, although more serious ones can occur and may require prompt medical attention.

Doctors prescribe regular guanfacine tablets for patients with high blood pressure to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and other problems caused by damage to the heart and blood vessels. Guanfacine eases stress on the heart and blood vessels by slowing the heartbeat and making it easier for blood to flow through veins and arteries. It can be used as a sole method of treatment or in conjunction with other medications.

Children between the ages of six and 17 can take extended-release guanfacine tablets with a doctor's prescription as part of a treatment for ADHD. It improves the brain's functioning by decreasing nerve impulses, which improves a child's ability to focus and reduces hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Extended-release guanfacine must be used with other forms of treatment, such as psychological methods, in order to be effective.

Regular and extended-release guanfacine tablets should be taken once a day, preferably at night since drowsiness is a common side effect. Extended-release tablets should not be taken with high fat meals and must be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Some doctors begin with a low dosage and slowly increase it over time, more frequently with the extended-release tablets. It can take about two weeks for patients with ADHD to begin noticing signs of improvement.

Patients who are allergic to guanfacine should discuss this with their doctor before starting treatment. Medications that cause drowsiness can be dangerous when used in combination with guanfacine, while others, such as beta blockers, can severely affect the heartbeat or increase guanfacine's side effects. Patients should let their doctor know about any other medications they are taking, as well as their past medical history if it includes fainting, heart attacks, low blood pressure or bipolar disorder. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should discuss the risks before taking guanfacine.

Common side effects associated with guanfacine include dry mouth, nausea, irritability and constipation. These are usually mild and often do not require medical attention. Serious side effects that do need immediate treatment include a slow pulse, blurred vision and fainting.