Guanfacine Risk Summary

Risk Factor: BM
Class: Cardiovascular drugs / Antihypertensives / Other antihypertensives

Fetal Risk Summary

Guanfacine is a centrally acting antihypertensive agent. The drug did not produce reproductive dysfunction or adverse fetal effects in rats and rabbits given doses 70 and 20 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) (1). At doses 200 and 100 times the MRHD, respectively, increased fetal mortality and maternal toxicity were observed. Although guanfacine crosses the placenta in animals (1,2), this has not been studied in humans.



The manufacturer is aware of two unreported cases of exposure during pregnancy that resulted in the birth of healthy infants (personal communication, A.H. Robins Company, 1987). A third patient, who was participating in a clinical trial of the drug for the treatment of hypertension, became pregnant during treatment (3). Guanfacine therapy was discontinued at approximately 8 weeks of gestation. She subsequently delivered a healthy male infant.

Guanfacine is not approved for the treatment of preeclampsia, but one study has been located that describes the use of the agent for this purpose. A 1980 German report summarized the use of guanfacine for the treatment of hypertension secondary to preeclampsia in 30 women (4). The gestational ages of the women at the time of treatment were not specified. Therapy was administered for 1668 days with doses ranging from 14 mg/day (mean dose approximately 2 mg/day). Mean systolic blood pressures (supine/standing) before treatment were about 160/164 mm Hg compared with 136/139 mm Hg just before parturition. Mean diastolic pressures (supine/standing) before treatment and just before delivery were 105/106 and 88/92 mm Hg, respectively. No significant changes in fetal heart rate were observed during the trial. Six infants were growth retarded, but this was probably secondary to the maternal hypertension. No drug-induced adverse effects were observed in any of the infants, and all were developing normally on follow-up (duration of follow-up not specified).

Breast Feeding Summary

Guanfacine is excreted into the milk of animals, but human studies have not been located. In rats, milk concentrations of guanfacine were 75% of the level in the plasma (1). The molecular weight (about 283 for the hydrochloride salt) is low enough that excretion into human milk should be expected. The potential effects on a nursing infant from this exposure are unknown. Guanfacine reduces serum prolactin concentrations in some patients and, theoretically, could cause inhibition of milk secretion.

References

  1. Product information. Tenex. A.H. Robins Company, 2000.
  2. Sorkin EM, Heel RC. Guanfacine. A review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of hypertension. Drugs 1986;31:30136.
  3. Karesoja M, Takkunen H. Guanfacine, a new centrally acting antihypertensive agent in long-term therapy. Curr Ther Res 1981;29:605.
  4. Philipp E. Guanfacine in the treatment of hypertension due to pre-eclamptic toxaemia in thirty women. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1980;10(Suppl 1):137S40S.

Questions and Answers

Has anyone heard of giving your child Guanfacine for and Adhd?,

Yes!!!

It is generally used for high blood pressure, It works by reducing heart rate and relaxing blood vessels. Which relaxes your body over all.
It is becoming more common for persons with ADHD because of the calming effect.

Discontinuing guanfacine abruptly?, I have been on guanfacine for ADHD for only 3 days. I experience horrible fatigue with it and would like to stop taking it. I know it says not to discontinue it abruptly, but there wouldn't be a problem with doing so after having just taken it for a few days, would there?

3 days is not that long. BUT, I would recommend that you speak with your Doctor first before you stop taking it. S/He needs to know that you are having undesirable effects.

Tenex (Guanfacine) for ADHD?, Could anyone please comment on experiences with Tenex (Guanfacine) for ADHD. I am particularly interested in it's effects on inattention, but also hyperactivity anxiety and sleep as well if applicable.

(A new branded extended release form of guanfacine is pending FDA approval to my knowledge).

Thanks!

I have AD/HD (subtype: limbic system hyperactivity, with obsessive symptoms.) In my case the obsessive symptoms present as mild anxiety and OCPD. Severe chronic depression accompanies this type of AD/HD and I have suffered from this my entire life.

Guanfacine and Methylphenidate?, any adverse effects? serious side effects? worsening condition?

Medline Drug Info:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/drugi...
http://search.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/qu...

whats the difference between guanafacine and guanfacine?, medication for adhd

What you are trying to describe is the same medicine. You simply misspelled guanfacine with guanafacine. I'm not sure where you found a spelling with an extra A in the middle but there is no such drug called guanafacine.

Guanfacine can be used to control high blood pressure because it works by reducing your heart rate and relaxing the blood vessels. It is also sometimes prescribed as an off-label treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder which is usually abbreviated ADHD. The FDA recently approved the use for this drug for ADHD in June of 2007. Hope this helped, stay healthy.

Anyone taking Guanfacine for ADD or ADHD? ?, If so, what dosages are you on and when are you taking the meds? Also, is it helping? Thanks!

yes

Does anyone know of studies on the drug, Guanfacine (Tenex), for ADHD, in young children (6 years old)?,

The FDA has not approved guanfacine for use by children younger than 12 years of age.

What is the best medication for "Tourette Syndrome" ?, I have come across some names such as:

Clonidine
Risperidone
Ziprasidone
Haloperidol
Pimozide
Guanfacine

I am looking to put an end or lessen the reactrion of unwanted rapid body movements when nervous.

this is long list reviewing it reveals serious side effect talk to your doc

ADD/ADHD medicine -- loss of appetite side effect?, My brother always talks about how his ADD/ADHD medicine makes him not hungry. I thought only Ritalin did that (not sure if that's spelled right). Is there a different name for Ritalin? The only medications I see he's taking are Concerta, Focalin, and Guanfacine..maybe one other one.

I think Concerta is Ritalin and yes, it will squelch your appetite.

Has anyone taken this?, Has anyone taken Tenex (Guanfacine) to treat their Impulsivity from ADHD?

HELLO THERE "YEAH RIGHT",
No, I personally have never taken Tenex..........But there are some things that you need to be aware of such as: Tenex is not FDA approved for use to treat ADHD. However, although not FDA approved it is commonly accepted....this medication should never be used for children under 12 years of age......The side effects CAN include: dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, head ache, insomnia, dry eyes, nausea, vomiting, skin rash or itching, fatigue and indigestion, diarrhea, slow heart beat, weakness, confusion depression and amnesia. So I want you to be fully aware of this information before you start this "IFFY" medication. I want to wish you the best of luck with this drug, and may God bless and keep you safe and happy while taking it........luv,

Continue reading here: What Are The Benefits and Possible Side Effects of GABA?

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