Drugs & Vitamins

Wytensin Active Ingredients: Guanabenz Representative Names: Wytensin Available Product Images: What are guanabenz tablets? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with guanabenz? What side effects may I notice from taking guanabenz? What should I watch for while taking guanabenz? Where can I keep my medicine? What are guanabenz tablets? (Back to top) GUANABENZ (Wytensin®) is an antihypertensive. Guanabenz relaxes blood vessels, relieving high blood pressure (hypertension). It is not a cure and has to be used regularly. Untreated high blood pressure can cause a stroke, heart failure, or damage to your kidneys. Generic guanabenz tablets are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •heart or blood vessel disease •kidney disease •liver disease •recent heart attack or stroke •an unusual or allergic reaction to guanabenz, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take guanabenz tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with guanabenz? (Back to top) •hawthorn •medicine for mental depression •monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar™) Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking guanabenz? (Back to top) Stopping taking guanabenz can produce some of these side effects. Ask your prescriber or health care professional before you reduce your dose, or stop taking guanabenz. Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •difficulty breathing •dizziness •increased sweating •increase in the amount of urine passed •irregular heartbeat or palpitations, chest pain •muscle weakness or pain •nausea, vomiting •ringing in the ears •stomach pain •swelling of feet or legs •trembling, shakiness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •blurred vision •breast tenderness in men or women •depression •drowsiness •dry mouth •headache •nasal congestion •sexual difficulties (reduced sexual desire or ability) •skin rash, itching •weakness or tiredness What should I watch for while taking guanabenz? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking guanabenz. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your heart rate should be and when you should contact him or her. Do not suddenly stop taking guanabenz. You must gradually reduce the dose or you may get a dangerous increase in blood pressure. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice. You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how guanabenz affects you. To avoid dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older person. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help. Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can affect your blood pressure control. If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking guanabenz. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature, approximately 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:08/31/2006 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.