Prescriptions Into Practice: Guanfacine

Guanfacine is an oral, centrally acting, alpha2–adrenergic receptor agonist used alone or in combination with other drugs for the treatment of essential hypertension. This medication works by producing a decrease in sympathetic outflow, resulting in a reduction of peripheral vascular resistance, renal vascular resistance, heart rate and blood pressure. Intuniv(Guanfacine), a non–stimulant selective alpha–2A–receptor agonist has been studied in children and adolescents with ADHD and has been considered for approval by FDA in June 2007. It binds selectively to alpha 2A adrenergic cell receptors located in the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is an area of the brain associated with executive functioning, that is, working memory, behavioral inhibition, regulation of attention, distractibility, impulsivity, frustration tolerance, etc. The selective alpha–2A agonist strengthens working memory and prefrontal cortex neuronal firing. This research supports the use of guafacine for the treatment of ADHD.