Guanfacine and guanfacine extended release: treatment for ADHD and related disorders.
Guanfacine, an alpha(2A) adrenoceptor agonist, is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for the treatment of hypertension in adolescents and adults. It also has been used "off-label" for several years in children as a possible treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs). Small placebo-controlled trials support the use of guanfacine for the treatment of ADHD. There is more limited research on the use of guanfacine in treating hyperactivity occurring in children diagnosed with PDD. Recently, guanfacine extended release (GXR), a once-daily formulation has been manufactured and studied in phase III clinical trials. Based on preliminary scientific presentations, it also appears to be efficacious in improving ADHD in children. The most common adverse effects associated with guanfacine and GXR treatment is sedation. Adverse cardiovascular effects are uncommon, although modest reductions in blood pressure and heart rate are common. If GXR is FDA-approved, it would be the first alpha(2A) adrenoceptor agonist marketed for ADHD.
Posey
David J
DJ
Christian Sarkine Autism Treatment Center, Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA. dposey@iupui.edu
McDougle
Christopher J
CJ
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods; D016316:Guanfacine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D016316:Guanfacine