Guanfacine Hydrochloride Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

GUANFACINE (GWAHN fa seen) is used to treat high blood pressure.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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

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

• heart disease or recent heart attack

• kidney or liver disease

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

• breast-feeding

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. You must gradually reduce the dose or you may get a dangerous increase in blood pressure. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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.

What may interact with this medicine?

• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures

• medicines for high blood pressure

• phenytoin

• prescription pain medicines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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 regularly while you are taking this medicine. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your heart rate should be and when you should contact him or her.

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

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.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase your blood pressure.

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:

• agitation, anxiety, trembling, or shakiness

• confusion or excessive drowsiness

• difficulty breathing

• dizziness or faintness

• increased sweating

• increased urine passed

• irregular, fast or slow heartbeat

• muscle weakness or pain

• nausea, vomiting

• palpitations or chest pain

• skin rash, itching

• stomach pain

• unusual skin rash or reaction

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

• change in sex drive or performance

• constipation

• weakness

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Guanfacine Hydrochloride Oral tablet, extended-release

What is this medicine?

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

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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

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

• heart disease

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• low blood pressure or slow heart rate

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

• pregnant or breast-feeding

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.

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

Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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.

What may interact with this medicine?

• certain medicines for anxiety or sleep

• 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

• ketoconazole

• narcotic medicines for pain

• rifampin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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 drowsy or dizzy. Do not ride a bicycle, drive, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Avoid cough and cold medicines, alcohol, and activities that may make you drowsy or dizzy.

Avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated while taking this medicine.

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.

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 these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):

• dizziness

• dry mouth

• irritability

• headache

• loss of appetite

• nausea, vomiting

• stomach pain

• tiredness

• trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.