Guanfacine Extended-Release Tablets

What is this medication?

GUANFACINE (GWAHN fa seen) treats attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by improving focus and reducing impulsive behavior.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Intuniv

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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 medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

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

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

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. If you miss 2 or more doses in a row, you should contact your care team. You may need to restart your medication at a lower dose.

What may interact with this medication?

This medication may interact with the following:

• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat
• Certain medications for mental health conditions
• Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
• Certain medications for sleep
• Ketoconazole
• Opioid medications
• 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 medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Check your heart rate and blood pressure as directed. Ask your care team what your heart rate and blood pressure should be and when you should contact them.

You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication 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 medication. Tell your care team if you have been vomiting and cannot take this medication 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 care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue

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

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Stomach pain

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 medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication 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.