Guanfacine extended-release (US brand name Intuniv® and generic) is a central alpha2A-adrenergic receptor agonist. It is not a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. Here is key information about this medication.
FDA-approved indications
Treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a monotherapy or as an adjuvant to stimulant medications
Dosage
In children (ages 6-12) and adolescents (ages 13-17)
Starting: 1 mg once daily either in the morning or evening
Titration: Up to 1 mg/week increments
Recommended dose: 1 mg to 7 mg (0.05–0.12 mg/kg target weight based dose range) once daily in the morning or evening based on clinical response and tolerability
Maximum: 4 mg/day in children and 7 mg/day in adolescents
Treatment with guanfacine should not be discontinued abruptly as it may lead to rebound hypertension and increase in heart rate. Dose should be tapered gradually in decrements of no more than 1 mg every 3-7 days.
Dosage forms and strengths
Extended-Release Tablets: 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, and 4 mg
Please refer to Prescribing Information (see link below) for complete discussion of dosage, administration, warnings and precautions, contraindications, etc.
Related Pages
How to screen all your patients for Adult ADHD (Free)
Why don’t we screen every patient for adult ADHD? (Free)
Atomoxetine (Strattera®): Basic Information (Free)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD or ADHD): Index and Links
Stimulants: Index and Links
Psychopharmacology: Index and Links
References
Guanfacine (Intuniv®) Prescribing Information
Copyright 2016, Rajnish Mago, MD. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced in any form without express written permission.
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