Guanfacine Hydrochloride (Guanfacine) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

Guanfacine Hydrochloride

High Blood Pressure »

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure (HBP) or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre-hypertension", and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high.

The top number, the systolic blood pressure, corresponds to the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood forward into the arteries. The bottom number, the diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. The diastolic pressure reflects the lowest pressure to which the arteries are exposed.

An elevation of the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure increas...

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Guanfacine Hydrochloride

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Guanfacine Hydrochloride
(guanfacine hydrochloride (guanfacine) ) Tablet

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Guanfacine hydrochloride (guanfacine) is a centrally acting antihypertensive with a2-adrenoceptor agonist properties in tablet form for oral administration.

The chemical name of guanfacine hydrochloride (guanfacine) is N-Amidino-2-(2,6-dichlorophenyl) acetamide monohydrochloride and its molecular weight is 282.55. Its structural formula is:

Guanfacine Hydrochloride structural formula illustration

C₉H₉CI₂N₃O•HCI

Guanfacine hydrochloride (guanfacine) is a white to off-white powder; sparingly soluble in water and alcohol and slightly soluble in acetone.

Each tablet, for oral administration, contains guanfacine hydrochloride equivalent to 1 mg or 2 mg guanfacine. The tablets contain the following inactive ingredients:

1 mg - anhydrous lactose, FD&C Red 40 aluminum lake, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, stearic acid.
2 mg - anhydrous lactose, D&C Yellow 10 aluminum lake, FD&C Red 40 aluminum lake, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, stearic acid.

What are the possible side effects of guanethidine and hydrochlorothiazide (Esimil)?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking guanethidine and hydrochlorothiazide and seek emergency medical attention:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
a very irregular heartbeat;
heart failure (shortness of breath, swelling of ankles or legs, sudden weight gain of 5 pounds or more);
chest pain;
little or no urine;
unusual fatigue;

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Guanfacine Hydrochloride »

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/6/2007
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.