Guanabenz Acetate
Pronunciation: (GWAHN-uh-benz ASS-uh-TATE)Class: Antiadrenergic, centrally acting
Trade Names:
Wytensin
- Tablets 4 mg
- Tablets 8 mg
Pharmacology
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Appears to stimulate central alpha 2 -adrenergic receptors, inhibiting sympathetic outflow from brain to peripheral circulation.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Bioavailability is about 75%.
Elimination
Less than 1% is excreted in the urine unchanged.
Onset
60 min.
Peak
2 to 4 h.
Duration
6 to 8 h.
Indications and Usage
Treatment of hypertension alone or with a thiazide diuretic.
Contraindications
Standard considerations.
Dosage and Administration
AdultsPO 4 mg twice daily initially; may increase by 4 to 8 mg daily every 1 to 2 wk; max dose 32 mg twice daily.
Storage/Stability
Store in tightly closed container in cool environment.
Drug Interactions
CNS depressantsIncreased sedation.
Laboratory Test Interactions
None well documented.
Adverse Reactions
Cardiovascular
Chest pain; edema; arrhythmias; palpitations; atrioventricular dysfunction.
CNS
Drowsiness; sedation; dizziness; anxiety; ataxia; depression; sleep disturbances.
Dermatologic
Rash; pruritus.
EENT
Blurred vision; nasal congestion.
GI
Dry mouth; constipation; diarrhea; nausea; vomiting; abdominal discomfort.
Genitourinary
Urinary frequency; disturbances of sexual function.
Hepatic
Increased liver enzymes.
Respiratory
Dyspnea.
Miscellaneous
Gynecomastia; muscle or joint pain; weakness; taste disorders.
Precautions
MonitorBPMonitor BP carefully in patients with coexisting hypertension and chronic hepatic dysfunction or renal impairment. |
Pregnancy
Category C .
Lactation
Undetermined.
Children
Safety and efficacy in children younger than 12 yr not established.
Special Risk Patients
Use with caution in patients with severe coronary insufficiency, recent MI, or cerebrovascular disease.
Sedation
Occurs in large percentage of patients.
Withdrawal
Do not discontinue therapy without consulting health care provider; drug must be withdrawn gradually to avoid rapid rise in BP.
Overdosage
Symptoms
Marked hypotension, somnolence, lethargy, irritability, miosis, bradycardia.
Patient Information
- Instruct patient and family member in proper technique for taking BP. Advise patient to check and record BP weekly.
- Advise patient to lie down if dizziness or blurred vision occurs.
- Explain that impotence may occur but is reversible. Tell patient to report to health care provider.
- Instruct patient not to discontinue drug abruptly.
- Counsel patient about benefits of weight reduction, exercise, reduction of alcohol and sodium, cessation of smoking.
- Instruct patient to report these symptoms to health care provider: headache, dizziness, weakness, blurred vision.
- Advise patient to take sips of water frequently, suck on ice chips or sugarless hard candy, or chew sugarless gum if dry mouth occurs.
- Caution patient to avoid sudden position changes to prevent orthostatic hypotension.
- Instruct patient to avoid intake of alcoholic beverages or other CNS depressants.
- Advise patient that drug may cause drowsiness and to use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness.
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guanabenz - Includes detailed dosage instructions.
