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Guanfacine is an alpha-2A adrenergic agonist that Bayview compounds to a prescriber's order.
Guanfacine is an active pharmaceutical ingredient used in the management of hypertension (immediate-release tablets) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, in patients aged 6 to 17 (extended-release tablets).[1][2] It is a centrally acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that reduces sympathetic nerve impulses from the brain's vasomotor center, lowering blood pressure.[1] The extended-release form is a selective alpha-2A agonist, and its mechanism of action in ADHD is not known.[2]
The extended-release form is approved as monotherapy and as adjunctive therapy to stimulant medications.[2] Guanfacine is also used off-label for tic disorders, and U.S. practice parameters recommend guanfacine for more severe Tourette syndrome.[3]
When considering guanfacine, prescribers should be aware of its pharmacokinetic profile, which includes a half-life of approximately 17 hours for immediate-release tablets, allowing once-daily dosing.[1] Potential side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness should be monitored,[1] along with dose-dependent decreases in blood pressure and heart rate; the dose should be tapered rather than stopped abruptly.[2]
Bayview Pharmacy compounds guanfacine preparations on a prescriber's order.
Compounded at Bayview
Patient guides for the preparations we make most often. Each one is compounded to order and requires a prescription.
For prescribers
Every preparation in our formulary that contains this ingredient. Strength, base and dose form are set by the prescription.
FDA-approved guanfacine comes as tablets. Bayview compounds a swallowable oral suspension in custom strengths for children and others who cannot take tablets or need a precise weight-based dose.
Other salt forms of this molecule, and ingredients commonly compounded alongside it.
This page describes an active pharmaceutical ingredient, not a finished drug product. Bayview Pharmacy compounds preparations containing it only on a prescriber's order for an individual patient.
Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved, and the FDA has not evaluated them for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing quality. Nothing on this page is a claim that any preparation is effective for any condition.
A valid prescription is required. Availability depends on Bayview's licensure in your state. This page is general information, not medical advice — discuss your situation with a licensed healthcare provider.
Our pharmacists work with prescribers to build preparations around a patient's dose, form and tolerances. Ask us what is possible with this ingredient.
