Guanfacine extended-release oral tablets

What is this medicine?

GUANFACINE (GWAHN fa seen) is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medicine. Do not take this medicine with a high-fat meal. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Stopping this medicine too quickly may cause serious side effects. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice.

This drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• changes in emotions or moods

• chest pain or chest tightness

• signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired

• unusually slow heartbeat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• drowsiness

• dry mouth

• headache

• nausea

• tiredness

What may interact with this medicine?

• certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat

• certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

• certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin

• certain medicines for sleep

• ketoconazole

• narcotic medicines for pain

• rifampin

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you miss 2 or more doses in a row, you should contact your doctor or health care professional. You may need to restart your medicine at a lower dose.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• high blood pressure

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• low blood pressure

• slow heart rate

• an unusual or allergic reaction to guanfacine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your heart rate and blood pressure as directed. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her.

You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated while taking this medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have been vomiting and cannot take this medicine because you may be at risk for a sudden and large increase in blood pressure called rebound hypertension.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.