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

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May 26, 2012

Guanfacine Hydrochloride

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High blood pressure facts

High blood pressure (hypertension) is designated as either essential (primary) hypertension or secondary hypertension and is defined as a consistently elevated blood pressure exceeding 140/90 mm Hg.
High blood pressure is called "the silent killer" because it often causes no symptoms for many years, even decades, until it finally damages certain critical organs.
Poorly controlled high blood pressure ultimately can cause damage to blood vessels in the eye, thickening of the heart muscle and heart attacks, hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis), kidney failure, and strokes.
Most antihypertensive medications can be used alone or in combination. Some are used only in combination. Some are preferred over others in certain specific medical situations. And some are not to be used (contraindicated) in other situations.
Several classes of antihypertensive medications are available, including ACE i...

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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.

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