Article: Guanfacine

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. weight	246.093 g/mol
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Metabolism	?
Half life	?
Excretion	?
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	?
Legal status	℞ Prescription only
Routes	?

Guanfacine 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.

Generic Status

Guanfacine is the generic name for the drug Tenex.

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.