ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATE: Medication
Dyanne Hartley
STUDENT NAME _____________________________________
Guanfacine
MEDICATION __________________________________________________________________________ REVIEW MODULE CHAPTER ___________
alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor agonists
CATEGORY CLASS ______________________________________________________________________
PURPOSE OF MEDICATION
Expected Pharmacological Action Therapeutic Use
Central-acting antihypertensive with alpha2-adrenergic Management of mild to moderate
agonist properties. In cerebral cortex, stimulation of
alpha2-adrenoceptors triggers inhibitory neurons to reduce hypertension
central sympathetic outflow (i.e., impulses from vasomotor Adjunct in heroin withdrawal
center to heart and blood vessels).
Complications Medication Administration
Confusion, amnesia, mental depression, drowsiness, dizziness, sedation, PO 1 mg/d h.s., may be
headache, asthenia, fatigue, insomnia, bradycardia, palpitation, substernal
pain, rhinitis, tinnitus, taste change; vision disturbances, conjunctivitis, iritis, gradually increased to 3 mg/d if
dry mouth, constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dysphagia, nausea, needed
impotence, testicular disorder, urinary incontinence, leg cramps, hypokinesia
dermatitis, pruritus, purpura, sweating, dyspnea
Contraindications/Precautions
Treatment of acute hypertension associated with toxemia
of pregnancy; pregnancy, children <12 y, severe coronary
insufficiency, recent MI, cerebrovascular disease; chronic Nursing Interventions
renal or hepatic failure; breastfeeding Do not discontinue abruptly rebound
hypertension may occur 2– 7 d after
abrupt drug withdrawal, but serious
effects rarely develop.
Monitor BP until it is stabilized, reeport
a rise in pressure that occurs toward
Interactions end of dose interval; a divided dose
Alcohol, CNS Depressants schedule may be ordered.
Assess mental status and alertness.
Client Education
Continue drug even after you feel well. If 2 or more doses are
missed, consult physician about how to reestablish dosage
regimen
Employ measures to keep mouth moist; if dry mouth persists >2
Evaluation of Medication Effectiveness wk, patient should check with dentist.
Do not drive or engage in other potentially hazardous tasks
requiring alertness
Lowered blood pressure Avoid alcohol and do not self-medicate with OTC drugs such as
sleeping medications, or cough medications without consulting
physician.
Do not breast feed while
ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATES
Dyanne Hartley
STUDENT NAME _____________________________________
Guanfacine
MEDICATION __________________________________________________________________________ REVIEW MODULE CHAPTER ___________
alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor agonists
CATEGORY CLASS ______________________________________________________________________
PURPOSE OF MEDICATION
Expected Pharmacological Action Therapeutic Use
Central-acting antihypertensive with alpha2-adrenergic Management of mild to moderate
agonist properties. In cerebral cortex, stimulation of
alpha2-adrenoceptors triggers inhibitory neurons to reduce hypertension
central sympathetic outflow (i.e., impulses from vasomotor Adjunct in heroin withdrawal
center to heart and blood vessels).
Complications Medication Administration
Confusion, amnesia, mental depression, drowsiness, dizziness, sedation, PO 1 mg/d h.s., may be
headache, asthenia, fatigue, insomnia, bradycardia, palpitation, substernal
pain, rhinitis, tinnitus, taste change; vision disturbances, conjunctivitis, iritis, gradually increased to 3 mg/d if
dry mouth, constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dysphagia, nausea, needed
impotence, testicular disorder, urinary incontinence, leg cramps, hypokinesia
dermatitis, pruritus, purpura, sweating, dyspnea
Contraindications/Precautions
Treatment of acute hypertension associated with toxemia
of pregnancy; pregnancy, children <12 y, severe coronary
insufficiency, recent MI, cerebrovascular disease; chronic Nursing Interventions
renal or hepatic failure; breastfeeding Do not discontinue abruptly rebound
hypertension may occur 2– 7 d after
abrupt drug withdrawal, but serious
effects rarely develop.
Monitor BP until it is stabilized, reeport
a rise in pressure that occurs toward
Interactions end of dose interval; a divided dose
Alcohol, CNS Depressants schedule may be ordered.
Assess mental status and alertness.
Client Education
Continue drug even after you feel well. If 2 or more doses are
missed, consult physician about how to reestablish dosage
regimen
Employ measures to keep mouth moist; if dry mouth persists >2
Evaluation of Medication Effectiveness wk, patient should check with dentist.
Do not drive or engage in other potentially hazardous tasks
requiring alertness
Lowered blood pressure Avoid alcohol and do not self-medicate with OTC drugs such as
sleeping medications, or cough medications without consulting
physician.
Do not breast feed while
ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATES
