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.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use guanfacine if you are allergic to it.
Intuniv is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old. Tenex is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
heart problems, coronary artery disease (clogged arteries);
a heart rhythm disorder;
a heart attack or stroke;
high or low blood pressure;
liver disease; or
kidney disease.
It is not known whether  guanfacine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It may not be safe to breast-feed a baby while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.
How should I take guanfacine?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take Intuniv with a full glass of water, milk, or other liquid.
Take Tenex at bedtime to ease drowsiness.
Swallow the Intuniv tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
If a child is using this medicine, tell your doctor if the child has any changes in weight. Intuniv doses are based on weight in children, and any changes may affect your child's dose.
You should not stop using guanfacine suddenly. Stopping suddenly can raise your blood pressure and cause unpleasant symptoms.
Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting and cannot take your medicine as usual.
Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using only the form and strength your doctor prescribes.
Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Your blood pressure and heart rate may also need to be checked.
If you have high blood pressure, keep using Tenex even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Avoid taking guanfacine with high-fat foods, or your body could absorb the medicine too quickly.
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
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.
