Guanfacine (Systemic)
Brand Names : Tenex
Proper Use of This MedicineIn addition
to the use of the medicine your doctor has prescribed, treatment for your
high blood pressure may include weight control and care in the types of foods
you eat, especially foods high in sodium. Your doctor will tell you which
of these are most important for you. You should check with your doctor before
changing your diet.
Many patients who have high blood pressure will not notice any signs of
the problem. In fact, many may feel normal. It is very important that you
take your medicine exactly as directed
and that
you keep your appointments with your doctor even if you feel well.
Remember that this medicine will not cure your high blood pressure but
it does help control it. Therefore, you must continue to use it as directed
if you expect to lower your blood pressure and keep it down. You may have to take high blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life
. If high blood pressure is not treated, it can cause serious problems
such as heart failure, blood vessel disease, stroke, or kidney disease.
Take your daily dose of guanfacine at bedtime. (If you are taking more
than one dose a day, take your last dose at bedtime.) Taking it this way will
help lessen daytime drowsiness.
Dosing - The dose of guanfacine will be different for
different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the
directions on the label
. The following information includes only the
average doses of guanfacine. If your dose is different,
do not change it
unless your doctor tells you to do so. The number of tablets that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.
-
For oral
dosage form (tablets):
-
For high blood pressure:
-
Adults - At first, 1 milligram (mg) once a day at bedtime. Then,
your doctor may gradually increase your dose up to 3 mg a day, if needed.
-
Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as
soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
If you miss taking guanfacine for two or more days in
a row, check with your doctor
. If your body suddenly goes without this
medicine, some unwanted effects may occur. If you have any questions about
this, check with your doctor.
Storage - To store this medicine:
-
Keep out of the reach of children.
-
Store away from heat and direct light.
-
Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other
damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
-
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure
any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
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