Guanfacine (Trade name: Intuniv) is an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist most commonly used in the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
| Absorption | Taking a high-fat meal was found to increase absorption considerably (Tmax = 5-6 hours, IR = 1-4 hours) |
|---|---|
| Distribution | 6.3L/kg |
| Metabolism | Hepatic, oxidation (phase I) and glucuronidation (phase II) |
| Elimination | Excreted by both the liver and the kidney |
| Half-life | • 13-14 hrs in children/adolescents
• 17-18 hours in adults |
| Substrate of (Metabolized by) | 3A4 (3A5, 2C9, and 2C19) |
|---|---|
| Induces | Does not induce any of the major CYP enzymes |
| Inhibits | Does not inhibit any of the major CYP enzymes |
| Starting | |
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| Titration | |
| Maximum | |
| Taper | Taper the daily dose no more than 1 mg every 3 to 7 days to reduce the risk of rebound hypertension. |