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    Guanfacine hcl

    Generic Name: Guanfacine Tablets (GWAHN fa seen)
    Brand Name: Tenex
    Easy-to-read patient leaflet for Guanfacine Tablets. Includes indications, proper use, special instructions, precautions, and possible side effects.

    Average Savings for guanfacine hcl (generic): 46.04%
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    Drug Information:
    This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (guanfacine tablets). Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (guanfacine tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor. Use this medicine (guanfacine tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely. Learn more

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    Guanfacine Tablets

    Generic Name: Guanfacine Tablets (GWAHN fa seen)
    Brand Name: Tenex
    Uses of Guanfacine Tablets:
    • It is used to treat high blood pressure.
    • It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

    What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Guanfacine Tablets?

    • If you have an allergy to guanfacine or any other part of this medicine (guanfacine tablets).
    • If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

    This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (guanfacine tablets).

    Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (guanfacine tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

    What are some things I need to know or do while I take Guanfacine Tablets?

    • Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (guanfacine tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
    • Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this medicine (guanfacine tablets) affects you.
    • To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs.
    • Check blood pressure and heart rate as the doctor has told you. Talk with the doctor.
    • Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine (guanfacine tablets).
    • Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs and natural products that slow your actions.
    • If you are taking this medicine (guanfacine tablets) and have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before using OTC products that may raise blood pressure. These include cough or cold drugs, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and some natural products or aids.
    • Tell your doctor if you have too much sweat, fluid loss, throwing up, or loose stools. This may lead to low blood pressure.
    • Be careful in hot weather or while being active. Drink lots of fluids to stop fluid loss.
    • Do not stop taking this medicine (guanfacine tablets) all of a sudden without calling your doctor. High blood pressure and fast heartbeat can happen if this medicine (guanfacine tablets) is stopped all of a sudden. Other signs of withdrawal like headache, shakiness, or feeling agitated, confused, or nervous can also happen. If these get worse and are not treated, it could lead to a very bad health problem with signs like feeling very sleepy or tired, very bad headache, throwing up, change in eyesight, or seizures. If you need to stop this medicine (guanfacine tablets), you will want to slowly stop it as ordered by your doctor.
    • Tell your doctor if you have been throwing up and cannot take this medicine (guanfacine tablets).
    • If your doctor has told you to lower your dose or slowly stop taking this medicine (guanfacine tablets), you will need to check your blood pressure and heart rate closely. Follow what your doctor has told you to do.
    • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

    How is this medicine (Guanfacine Tablets) best taken?

    Use this medicine (guanfacine tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

    • Take this medicine (guanfacine tablets) at bedtime.
    • Keep taking this medicine (guanfacine tablets) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.

    What do I do if I miss a dose?

    • Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
    • If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
    • Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

    What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

    WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

    • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
    • Very bad dizziness or passing out.
    • Slow heartbeat.
    • A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
    • Not able to get or keep an erection.

    What are some other side effects of Guanfacine Tablets?

    All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

    • Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak.
    • Dry mouth.
    • Headache.
    • Constipation.
    • Upset stomach.
    • Stomach pain.
    • Trouble sleeping.

    These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

    You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

    If OVERDOSE is suspected:

    If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

    How do I store and/or throw out Guanfacine Tablets?

    • Store at room temperature.
    • Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
    • Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
    • Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

    Consumer information use

    • If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
    • Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
    • Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
    • Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
    • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (guanfacine tablets), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
    • If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

    Further information

    Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

    Medical Disclaimer

    More about guanfacine

    • Side Effects
    • During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
    • Dosage Information
    • Patient Tips
    • Drug Images
    • Drug Interactions
    • Support Group
    • Pricing & Coupons
    • En Español
    • 229 Reviews
    • Drug class: antiadrenergic agents, centrally acting

    Consumer resources

    • Guanfacine
    • Guanfacine Extended-Release Tablets

    Other brands: Intuniv, Tenex

    Professional resources

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    Editorial References and Review

    Medically reviewed by USARx EDITORIAL TEAM Last updated on 1/1/2020.

    Source: Drugs.com Guanfacine Hcl (www.drugs.com/guanfacine.html).

    Guanfacine hcl Side Effects

    Guanfacine Side Effects

    In Summary

    Commonly reported side effects of guanfacine include: asthenia, constipation, drowsiness, decreased blood pressure, dizziness, fatigue, hypotension, sedated state, and xerostomia. Other side effects include: impotence, and nausea. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

    For the Consumer

    Applies to guanfacine: oral tablet, oral tablet extended release

    Along with its needed effects, guanfacine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

    Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking guanfacine:

    More common

    • Blurred vision
    • confusion
    • dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
    • sweating
    • unusual tiredness or weakness

    Less common

    • Chest pain or discomfort
    • cough
    • difficulty with breathing
    • fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
    • increased need to urinate
    • lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
    • mental depression
    • noisy breathing
    • passing urine more often
    • tightness in the chest

    Incidence not known

    • Agitation
    • back pain
    • cracks in the skin
    • drowsiness
    • fast, pounding, or irregular pulse
    • feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
    • fever
    • headache
    • irritability
    • loss of consciousness
    • loss of heat from the body
    • mood or mental changes
    • numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, or face
    • red, swollen skin
    • scaly skin
    • seeing or hearing things that are not there
    • seizures
    • sensation of spinning
    • stiff neck
    • swelling
    • vomiting
    • weakness

    Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking guanfacine:

    Symptoms of overdose

    • Dizziness (extreme) or faintness
    • unusual tiredness or weakness (severe)

    Some side effects of guanfacine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

    More common

    • Constipation
    • dizziness
    • dryness of the mouth
    • nausea
    • sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
    • unusual dullness or feeling of sluggishness
    • upper abdominal or stomach pain
    • weight gain

    Less common

    • Belching
    • decreased appetite
    • decreased sexual ability
    • dry, itching, or burning eyes
    • heartburn
    • indigestion
    • lack or loss of strength
    • paleness of the skin
    • stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
    • trouble with sleeping

    Incidence not known

    • Change in taste
    • decreased interest in sexual intercourse
    • difficulty in moving
    • general feeling of discomfort or illness
    • hair loss, thinning of hair
    • inability to have or keep an erection
    • joint pain or swelling
    • leg cramp or pain
    • loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
    • muscle ache, cramp, pain, or stiffness
    • seeing or hearing things that are not there

    After you stop using this medicine, it may still produce some side effects that need attention. During this period of time, check with your doctor immediately if you notice the following side effects:

    • Anxiety or tenseness
    • increased salivation
    • nervousness or restlessness
    • shaking or trembling of the hands and fingers
    • stomach cramps
    • sweating

    For Healthcare Professionals

    Applies to guanfacine: oral tablet, oral tablet extended release

    General

    The most common adverse reactions were dry mouth, somnolence, headache, fatigue, dizziness, abdominal pain, constipation, appetite decreased, and sedation.

    Gastrointestinal

    Very common (10% or more): Dry mouth (up to 54%), abdominal pain (up to 15%), constipation (up to 15%)

    Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal/stomach discomfort

    Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspepsia

    Nervous system

    Very common (10% or more): Somnolence (up to 40.6%), headache (up to 28%), dizziness (up to 16%), sedation (10.2%)

    Common (1% to 10%): Lethargy, convulsion, dizziness postural, syncope

    Rare (less than 0.1%): Hypersomnia

    Postmarketing reports: Tremor, paresthesias, vertigo, taste alteration, hypertensive encephalopathy

    Other

    Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (up to 22%)

    Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia

    Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Chest pain

    Rare (less than 0.1%): Malaise

    Metabolic

    Very common (10% or more): Appetite decreased (up to 15%)

    Common (1% to 10%): Weight increased

    Frequency not reported: Body mass index increased

    Postmarketing reports: Edema

    Psychiatric

    Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia, depression, anxiety, affect lability, middle insomnia, nightmare, irritability

    Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Agitation, hallucination

    Postmarketing reports: Confusion

    Cardiovascular

    Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension, bradycardia, orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia

    Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pallor, atrioventricular block first degree, sinus arrhythmia, blood pressure increased, heart rate decreased

    Rare (less than 0.1%): Hypertension

    Frequency not reported: QTc prolongation

    Postmarketing reports: Palpitations, rebound hypertension

    Genitourinary

    Common (1% to 10%): Impotence, enuresis

    Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pollakiuria

    Frequency not reported: Urinary frequency increased

    Postmarketing reports: Erectile dysfunction

    Dermatologic

    Common (1% to 10%): Rash, pruritus

    Postmarketing reports: Alopecia, dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis

    Respiratory

    Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Asthma

    Postmarketing reports: Dyspnea

    Hepatic

    Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): ALT increased

    Immunologic

    Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity

    Musculoskeletal

    Postmarketing reports: Arthralgia, leg cramps, leg pain, myalgia

    Ocular

    Postmarketing reports: Blurred vision

    Editorial References and Review

    Medically reviewed by USARx EDITORIAL TEAM Last updated on 1/1/2020.

    Source: Drugs.com Guanfacine Hcl (www.drugs.com/guanfacine.html).

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