Intuniv Information and Uses

Intuniv

Intuniv Overview

Intuniv (generic: guanfacine) is a prescription medication used to treat symptoms of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Intuniv belongs to a group of drugs called Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonists. This medication may treat ADHD by affecting the part of the brain that controls attention and impulsivity.

This medication comes in tablet form and is usually taken once a day. Intuniv tablets should be swallowed whole.

Common side effects of Intuniv include sleepiness, tiredness, trouble sleeping, low blood pressure, and nausea.

Uses of Intuniv

Intuniv is a prescription medication used alone or in combination with other medications to treat the symptoms of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children aged 6 to 17 years old.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Side Effects of Intuniv

Intuniv may cause serious side effects including:

low blood pressure
low heart rate
fainting
sleepiness

Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above. 

The most common side effects of Intuniv include:

sleepiness
tiredness
trouble sleeping
low blood pressure
nausea
stomach pain
dizziness

Tell the doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Intuniv Interactions

Intuniv may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how Intuniv works. Especially tell your doctor if you take:

ketoconazole
medicines that can affect enzyme metabolism
valproic acid
high blood pressure medicine
sedatives
benzodiazepines
barbiturates
antipsychotics

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of these medicines, if you are not sure.

Intuniv Precautions

Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how Intuniv affects you. Intuniv can slow your thinking and motor skills.
Do not drink alcohol or take other medicines that make you sleepy or dizzy while taking Intuniv until you talk with your doctor. Intuniv taken with alcohol or medicines that cause sleepiness or dizziness may make your sleepiness or dizziness worse.
It is not known if Intuniv is safe or effective in children younger than 6 years old.
It is not known if Intuniv is safe or effective in adults.
Intuniv may cause serious side effects including low blood pressure, low heart rate, fainting, and sleepiness. Get medical help right away if you experience any of these symptoms.

Intuniv Food Interactions

Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of Intuniv there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when receiving Intuniv.

Inform MD

Before you take Intuniv , tell your doctor if you:

have heart problems or a low heart rate
have fainted
have low blood pressure
have liver or kidney problems
have any other medical conditions
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Intuniv will harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Intuniv is excreted into human breast milk. You and your doctor should decide if you will take Intuniv or breastfeed.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicine, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take:

ketoconazole
medicines that can affect enzyme metabolism
valproic acid
high blood pressure medicine
sedatives
benzodiazepines
barbiturates
antipsychotics

Intuniv and Pregnancy

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if Intuniv will harm your unborn baby.

Intuniv and Lactation

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It is not known if Intuniv is excreted in human breast milk or if it will harm your nursing baby.

Intuniv Usage

Take Intuniv exactly as your doctor tells you.
Your doctor may change your dose. Do not change your dose of Intuniv without talking to your doctor.
Do not stop taking Intuniv without talking to your doctor.
Intuniv should be taken 1 time a day, either alone or in combination with an ADHD stimulant medication that your doctor may prescribe. Your doctor will tell you when to take Intuniv and when to take your ADHD stimulant medication.
Intuniv should be swallowed whole with a small amount of water, milk, or other liquid.
Do not crush, chew, or break Intuniv . Tell your doctor if you can not swallow Intuniv whole.
Do not take Intuniv with a high-fat meal.
Your doctor will check your blood pressure and heart rate while you take Intuniv .
If you take too much Intuniv , call your local Poison Control Center or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Intuniv Dosage

Take Intuniv exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully. Your doctor will determine the best dose for you. The recommended dose range is 1 mg to 4 mg per day.

It is not known if Intuniv is effective for longer than 9 weeks.

Intuniv Overdose

If you take too much Intuniv, call your local Poison Control Center right away or seek emergency medical attention.

Forms of Intuniv

Intuniv Extended-release tablets are available in the following strengths: 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg and 4 mg.

Active ingredient: guanfacine hydrochloride

Inactive ingredients: hypromellose, methacrylic acid copolymer, lactose, povidone, crospovidone, microcrystalline cellulose, fumaric acid, and glycerol behenate. In addition, the 3mg and 4mg tablets also contain green pigment blend PB-1763.