Intuniv
™ (
guanfacine ER) is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (
ADHD) in children and adolescents. Unlike many other ADHD treatments, this medication is not a stimulant and is not a controlled substance.
Intuniv is made by Shire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Intuniv is a long-acting form of guanfacine, a medication that has been used for decades to
treat high blood pressure. It belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha-2a adrenergic receptor agonists. At this time, it is unknown exactly how Intuniv works to treat ADHD.
In short-term studies (lasting up to nine weeks), this medication was shown to be superior to a placebo (a "sugar pill" with no active ingredients) for treating ADHD symptoms. Long-term, placebo-controlled studies have not yet been performed with Intuniv.
When and How to Take This Medication
Some general considerations to keep in mind with Intuniv include the following:
- Intuniv comes in the form of an extended-release tablet. It is taken by mouth, usually once a day.
- Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets, as this will cause the medication to be released too quickly. The tablets must be swallowed whole.
- This medication can be taken with or without food. However, it should not be taken with a high-fat meal, as this increases the absorption of the medication too much, which could lead to overdose symptoms.
- Try to give this medicine at the same time each day.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Intuniv will not work if your child stops taking it.
The dose of Intuniv your child's healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- How your child responds to Intuniv
- Other medications your child may be taking
- Other medical conditions your child may have.
As always, do not adjust your child's dose unless the healthcare provider specifically tells you to do so.
Just like any medicine, Intuniv can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can be treated easily by you or your child's healthcare provider. Serious reactions are less common.
Some of the most common side effects seen with this drug include but are not limited to:
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain).
(Click Intuniv Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Child's Healthcare Provider?
Before your child takes Intuniv, tell the healthcare provider if your child has:
- Low blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension)
- An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- A slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- A history of fainting
- Any allergies, including to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if your child is:
Make sure to tell your child's healthcare provider about all of the medicines your child takes, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
During studies, accidental overdoses of this medication caused symptoms such as drowsiness, a slow heart rate (bradycardia), and dizziness. Seek immediate medical attention if your child (or someone else) may have taken too much Intuniv.
What Should I Do About Missed Doses of Intuniv?
If your child misses two or more doses in a row, contact your healthcare provider before giving him or her another dose. Your child may need to restart at a lower dosage and gradually increase up to the normal dose, as is done when first starting this medication.
How Should This Medicine Be Stored?
Intuniv tablets should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children and pets.
Intuniv tablets come in the following strengths:
- Intuniv 1 mg
- Intuniv 2 mg
- Intuniv 3 mg
- Intuniv 4 mg.
Is There a Generic Version of Intuniv?
Currently, this medication is not available in generic form
(see Generic Intuniv for more information).
