Drug Interactions between guanfacine and sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol

Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with guanFACINE, as it may increase blood levels and effects of the medication. This may cause blood pressure to fall excessively, especially when you rise from a sitting or lying position. The risk of other side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, headache, palpitations, and heart rate changes may also increase. Additionally, you should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with guanFACINE. Combining the medication with alcohol can intensify sedative and blood pressure lowering effects, which may increase the risk of falls and injury. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you, and use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position. If you are using a long-acting or extended-release formulation of the medication, make sure you do not take it with a high-fat meal. Doing so results in increased absorption and elevated blood levels of the medication. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Food may affect the absorption of sodium phenylbutyrate. A high-fat, high-calorie meal (approximately 800 to 1000 calories; 500 to 600 calories from fat, 250 calories from carbohydrate, 150 calories from protein) has been shown to reduce the absorption of sodium phenylbutyrate, although it is unknown what impact this may have on the overall effectiveness of the medication. The manufacturer recommends taking sodium phenylbutyrate before a meal or snack. This is especially important if you weigh less than 70 kg (approximately 154 pounds). Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medication without first talking to your doctor.