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.
About Dr. Conor Sheehy (Page Author)
Dr. Sheehy (BSc Molecular Biology, PharmD) works a clinical pharmacist specializing in cardiology, oncology, and ambulatory care. He’s a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist (BCPS), and his experience working one-on-one with patients to fine tune their medication and therapy plans for optimal results makes him a valuable subject matter expert for our pharmacy. Read More....
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