Intuniv (guanfacine) is a prescription medicine used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children who are at least 6 years old.
Intuniv is not a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant however it is often used in combination with an ADHD stimulant medication.
Intuniv is a long acting tablet that is taken once daily, normally in the morning, at approximately the same time each day.
Important information
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during excercise and in hot weather. Avoid drinking alcohol.
Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy. They can add to sleepiness caused by Intuniv.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Intuniv if you are allergic to guanfacine.
To make sure you can safely take Intuniv, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
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heart disease or heart block;
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coronary artery disease or a history of stroke;
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low blood pressure;
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kidney disease;
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liver disease; or
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if you have recently had a heart attack.
FDA pregnancy category B. Intuniv is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether guanfacine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Intuniv?
Take Intuniv exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Intuniv is normally taken once daily, in the morning.
Do not crush, chew, or break an Intuniv extended-release tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.
You should not stop using Intuniv suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse, and you could have unpleasant symptoms.
Store Intuniv at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss more than 2 doses in a row.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, slow heart rate, and feeling like you might pass out.
What should I avoid?
Intuniv may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of Intuniv.
Intuniv side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Intuniv: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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hallucinations;
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chest pain, fast or slow heartbeats; or
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a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
Common Intuniv side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Intuniv?
Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking Intuniv with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Other drugs may interact with guanfacine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
