Tenex

IMPORTANT NOTE | TITLE | HOW TO PRONOUNCE | COMMON BRAND NAMES | USES | OTHER USES | HOW TO TAKE | SIDE EFFECTS | PRECAUTIONS | DRUG INTERACTIONS | OVERDOSE | NOTES | MISSED DOSE | STORAGE

IMPORTANT NOTE
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

TITLE GUANFACINE - ORAL

HOW TO PRONOUNCE (GWAN-fuh-seen)

COMMON BRAND NAMES Tenex

USES This medication is used to treat high blood pressure.

HOW TO TAKE
Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time(s) each day, usually at bedtime. This medication may be taken with food if stomach irritation occurs. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the medication is stopped abruptly.

SIDE EFFECTS
Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, constipation, gas pains, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue, and nasal congestion may occur. If these symptoms persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Inform your doctor if you develop: chest pain, shortness of breath, skin rash, swelling of the hands or feet, blurred vision, yellowing of the eyes or skin. Inform your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms: mental/mood changes, tingling of the hands or feet, dry mouth, impotence, decreased sexual desire, vision changes, taste changes, ringing in the ears, leg cramps. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart or circulatory problems, kidney or liver disease, any allergies. Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages while taking this medication. Alcohol can lead to excessive drowsiness, dizziness or fainting. Also, avoid hot showers, saunas and prolonged exercise since excessive heat can intensify dizziness. Caution is advised when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving), since this drug may cause drowsiness. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist in charge about your blood pressure medications. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if guanfacine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, including: barbiturates, tranquilizers, medications for depression or allergies, narcotic pain medication, other drugs that make you drowsy (such as certain antihistamines and anti-seizure drugs). Do not take any medication for coughs, colds or allergies without first checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Some of these products contain ingredients that can increase blood pressure or cause drowsiness (e.g., antihistamines such as diphenhydramine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, sluggishness, and slowed heartbeat.

NOTES
It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your blood pressure. Discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up. Check with your doctor if 2 or more doses have been missed.

STORAGE Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.