Guanfacine (By Mouth)

Guanfacine (GWAHN-fa-seen)

Treats high blood pressure.

Brand Name(s):

Tenex
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to guanfacine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.
• Take this medicine exactly as your doctor ordered. Even if you feel fine your blood pressure can still be high.
• May be taken with or without food.
• If you are taking guanfacine once a day, take the dose at bedtime to avoid being drowsy during the day (unless your doctor tells you differently).

If a dose is missed:

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose and take your medicine at your usual time.
• If you miss more than two doses in row, talk with your doctor.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Avoid drinking alcohol while using this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using any medicine that makes you sleepy, such as sleeping pills, tranquilizers, cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain-killers, or muscle relaxers.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Check with your doctor before using guanfacine if you have heart or liver disease, depression, or if you have had a heart attack or stroke.
• Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor. You may need to use smaller and smaller doses before completely stopping the medicine.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you are using guanfacine before you have any kind of surgery.
• Guanfacine can make you dizzy or drowsy. Be careful if you drive a car or operate machinery.
• To avoid dizziness from this medicine, stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing
• Severe weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache or eye irritation
• Trouble sleeping
• Constipation
• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Dry mouth and nose
• Trouble having sex
• Depressed mood

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.