What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Intuniv (Guanfacine HCL)
Prescription Required
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Product Details
Description
Intuniv is a prescription medication used for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in patients aged 6-17 years. It is typically used in patients that have failed stimulant medications or in whom stimulants would not be a good choice.
ADHD is a chronic condition that affects children, adolescents, and adults. Symptoms may include self-focused behavior, interruptions, fidgeting, unfinished tasks, and others.
Intuniv medicine works by activating alpha receptors in the nervous system, which causes a reduction in certain nerves that slows the heart rate and ADHD-type behaviors.
Fact Table
Formula
C9H9Cl2N3O
License
US FDA, EU EMA
Bioavailability
80–100%
Legal status
Rx-only
Chemical Name
Guanfacine
Elimination half-life
10-17 hours
Dosage (Strength)
1 mg to 4 mg
Pregnancy
No Known Risk
Brands
Estulic, Intuniv
Protein binding
70%
PubChem CID
3519
MedlinePlus
a601059
ChEBI
5558
ATC code
C02AC02
DrugBank
DB01018
KEGG
D08031
Routes of administration
By mouth
Directions
The dosage for this medication is specific to each patient based on weight. The correct dosage should be determined by the prescriber and should not be adjusted without their direction.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Intuniv is guanfacine. It is available in Intuniv 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, and 4 mg.
Interactions
Do not take Intuniv with the following medications unless directed to do so by your physician:
- Alcohol
- Amifostine
- Amiodarone
- Apalutamide
- Aprepitant
- Azelastine
- Berotralstat
- Beta-Blockers
- Bromperidol
- Buprenorphine
- Carbamazepine
- Ceritinib
- Cimetidine
- Conivaptan
- Crizotinib
- Cyclosporine
- Diltiazem
- Dronedarone
- Duvelisib
- Enzalutamide
- Erythromycin
- Fedratinib
- Fluconazole
- Flunitrazepam
- Fosamprenavir
- Fosaprepitant
- Fosnetupitant-palonosetron
- Fosphenytoin
- Fusidic Acid (Systemic)
- Grapefruit juice
- Imatinib
- Isavuconazole
- Lefamulin
- Letermovir
- Lumacaftor
- Lumacaftor-ivacaftor
- Mirtazapine
- Mitotane
- Netupitant
- Nilotinib
- Obinutuzumab
- Orphenadrine
- Oxomemazine
- Oxycodone
- Phenobarbital
- Phenytoin
- Primidone
- Ribociclib
- Rifampin (rifampicin)
- Schisandra
- Thalidomide
- Tricyclic Antidepressants
- Verapamil
Cautions
Intuniv may slow the heart rate, especially when starting it.
Intuniv can cause sleepiness and drowsiness.
Your doctor should monitor blood pressure when starting this medication.
Side Effects
The most common side effects can include:
- Drowsiness
- Abdominal pain
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Bradycardia
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Emotional lability
- Fatigue
- First-degree AV block
- Headache
- Hypotension
- Increased blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Lethargy
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea
- Nightmares
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Pruritus
- Sinus arrhythmia
- Skin rash
- Syncope
- Tachycardia
- Vomiting
- Weight gain
- Xerostomia
References
- Intuniv [package insert]. Lexington, MA: Shire; 2017.
Frequently Asked Questions about Intuniv (Guanfacine HCL)
What is Intuniv?
Intuniv is a brand name medication that contains the active ingredient Guanfacine HCL. It is primarily used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents.
How does Intuniv work?
Intuniv works by affecting certain receptors in the brain to help regulate and reduce symptoms of ADHD. It is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that acts centrally to improve attention, reduce impulsiveness, and calm hyperactivity.
Who can take Intuniv?
Intuniv is typically prescribed to children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years who have been diagnosed with ADHD. It is sometimes used off-label for other conditions, as determined by a healthcare provider.
Is Intuniv safe for adults?
Intuniv is primarily approved for use in children and adolescents. While it may be prescribed off-label for adults in certain cases, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on its use in adults.
What are the common side effects of Intuniv?
Common side effects of Intuniv may include drowsiness, fatigue, low blood pressure, dry mouth, and constipation. It's important to report any side effects to your healthcare provider.
How should I take Intuniv?
Intuniv is usually taken once daily in the morning or evening, with or without food. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dose for you or your child.
Can I stop taking Intuniv suddenly?
It is important not to stop taking Intuniv abruptly without consulting your healthcare provider. They will provide guidance on how to taper off the medication if necessary.
Can Intuniv be taken with other ADHD medications?
Intuniv may be prescribed alone or in combination with other ADHD medications, depending on the individual's needs. Your healthcare provider will determine the most suitable treatment plan.
How long does it take for Intuniv to start working?
Intuniv may take some time to show its full effect. Improvement in ADHD symptoms is usually noticed within a few weeks, but it may vary from person to person.
Is Intuniv habit-forming or addictive?
No, Intuniv is not considered habit-forming or addictive. It is not a controlled substance.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 12188
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