Guanfacine is used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat hypertension.
What is Guanfacine?
Guanfacine works by relaxing the blood vessels and reduces the heart rate. This way, it causes the pressure to decrease.
How should Guanfacine be taken?
Guanfacine is administered orally in the form of tablets and it is also available as prolonged release tablets.
Side effects associated with Guanfacine
Among the possible adverse effects of Guanfacine are included:
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Weakness
You should immediately contact a doctor if taking Guanfacine triggers any of the following symptoms:
- Rash
- Urticaria (Hives)
- Itchy skin
- Difficult breathing
- Chest tightness
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
- Fainting
- Difficulty in sexual relations
- Dizziness, drowsiness or weakness (severe or persistent)
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Guanfacine
Guanfacine can compromise the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery, especially when taken together with alcohol or other drugs. It may also cause severe dizziness that can be aggravated by heat, fever or physical activity and requires caution when getting up from lying or sitting position, especially in the morning.
Moreover, before starting the treatment it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, other medicines or any food
- You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, especially phenytoin, barbiturates, benzodiazepines and phenothiazines
- You suffer (or have suffered) from liver or kidney problems, low blood pressure, dizziness, cardiovascular disorders or fainting
- You have been dehydrated or exposed to high temperatures
- You have planned a surgery
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is also recommended to inform your physicians, surgeons and dentists about ongoing treatment with Guanfacine prior to any procedure.
