Guanfacine

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Guanfacine
Systematic (IUPAC) name
N-(diaminomethylidene)-2-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)acetamide
Identifiers
CAS number	29110-47-2
ATC code	C02AC02
PubChem	3519
DrugBank	APRD00075
Chemical data
Formula	C9H9Cl2N3O
Mol. mass	246.093 g/mol
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Metabolism	?
Half life	?
Excretion	?
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	?
Legal status	℞ Prescription only
Routes	?

Guanfacine (brand name Tenex, and the extended release Intuniv) is a centrally acting antihypertensive agent. Guanfacine lowers both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by activating the central nervous system α-2 adrenergic receptors, which results in reduced sympathetic outflow leading to reduced vascular tone. Its adverse reactions include dry mouth, sedation, and constipation.

[edit] Uses

Guanfacine can be used to control high blood pressure. It works by reducing heart rate and relaxing blood vessels.

It is also sometimes prescribed as a treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. (In August 2006, the makers of Guanfacine applied to the FDA to use this drug to treat ADHD In June 2007, the FDA has issued an approvable letter for Guanfacine for the use of ADHD treatment.[1])

[edit] Side effects

Usual: Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, constipation, gas pains, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue, and nasal congestion may occur.

Rare: chest pain, shortness of breath, skin rash, swelling of the hands or feet, blurred vision, yellowing of the eyes or skin.

Others: mental/mood changes, tingling of the hands or feet, dry mouth, impotence, decreased sexual desire, vision changes, taste changes, ringing in the ears, leg cramps.

[edit] External links

• Guanfacine.com
• Shoop SA (1998). "Is the use of Guanfacine effective in the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder?". U.S. Pharmacist 23 (5). 

v • d • e Antihypertensives (C02) and diuretics (C03) Sympatholytic agents (including alpha) centrally acting/antiadrenergics: Clonidine • Guanfacine • Methyldopa • Moxonidine • Rilmenidine • adrenergic uptake inhibitor (Rescinnamine, Reserpine) ganglion-blocking/nicotinic antagonist (Mecamylamine, Trimethaphan) peripherally acting/antiadrenergics (Prazosin, Guanethidine, Indoramin, Doxazosin) Vasodilators Diazoxide • Hydralazine • Minoxidil • Nitroprusside • Phentolamine Other antihypertensives serotonin antagonist (Ketanserin) • endothelin receptor antagonist (Bosentan, Ambrisentan, Sitaxsentan) Low ceiling diuretics Thiazide (Bendroflumethiazide, Chlorothiazide, Hydrochlorothiazide) • Chlortalidone • Indapamide • Quinethazone • Mersalyl • Metolazone • Theobromine • Cicletanine High ceiling diuretics Loop diuretic (Bumetanide, Furosemide, Torasemide) Potassium-sparing diuretics ESC blockers (Amiloride, Triamterene) • aldosterone antagonists (Spironolactone, Eplerenone, Potassium canrenoate, Canrenone)