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$Title{guanabenz}
$Subject{Wytensin Wyeth-Ayerst Antihypertensive guanabenz acetate salt high
blood pressure chemicals brain}
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Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


guanabenz
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Wytensin (Wyeth-Ayerst)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antihypertensive

INGREDIENT

     guanabenz as the acetate salt

DOSAGE FORM

     Tablets (4 mg and 8 mg)

STORAGE

     Guanabenz should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
light-resistant container.

USES

     This medication is used to control high blood pressure.  It works by
decreasing the release of chemicals in the brain that are responsible for
increasing blood pressure.

TREATMENT

     Guanabenz can be taken either on an empty stomach or, to avoid stomach
irritation, with food or milk (as directed by your doctor).
     Try to take the doses at the same times each day, so that you become
accustomed to taking this medication.  Your doctor may want you to take the
last dose of the day at bedtime, in order to control blood pressure at night
and to reduce daytime drowsiness.
     Guanabenz does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help to control
the condition as long as you continue to take it.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.  If you miss more than two consecutive doses,
contact your doctor as soon as possible.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, nasal
congestion, nausea, sleep disturbances, stomach upset, taste disorders,
vomiting, and weakness.  These side effects should disappear in several weeks,
as your body adjusts to the medication.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (bran,
salads, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole-grain breads), and drink more
water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down awhile; get up from a
sitting or lying position slowly, and be careful on stairs.
     To help relieve mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or
a piece of hard candy.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
anxiety, blurred vision, chest pain, depression, disturbances in sexual
function, enlarged or painful breasts (in both sexes), increased urination,
itching, loss of coordination, muscle aches, palpitations, rapid weight gain
(three to five pounds within a week), shortness of breath, or skin rash.

INTERACTIONS

     Concurrent use of guanabenz with central nervous system depressants
(drugs that slow the activity of the brain and spinal cord), such as alcohol,
antihistamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, muscle relaxants,
narcotics, pain medications, phenothiazine tranquilizers, and sleeping
medication, or with tricyclic antidepressants can lead to extreme drowsiness.
BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR if you are already taking any of these types of
medication.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to guanabenz.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have, or if you have ever had, heart or blood vessel disease, kidney
disease, or liver disease.
     * If this medication makes you dizzy or drowsy, or blurs your vision,
avoid taking part in activities that require alertness.
     * Before having any surgery or other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
     * Do not stop taking guanabenz unless you first check with your doctor.
If this drug is stopped abruptly, you may experience nervousness, agitation,
headache, and a rise in blood pressure.  Your doctor may therefore want to
decrease your dosage.
     * Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter
(nonprescription) asthma, allergy, cough, cold, diet, or sinus preparations.
Some of these products can reduce the effectiveness of guanabenz.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although guanabenz
appears to be safe during pregnancy, extensive studies in humans have not yet
been completed.  Studies on birth defects in animals have produced conflicting
results.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  It is
not known if guanabenz passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.