Alternatives to guanfacine
FDA shortage status is active for guanfacine; 2 same-class SPL records are listed below for registry comparison only.
Brand: Intuniv, Tenex
guanfacine class peers while FDA lists an active shortage
guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) is on an FDA shortage listing while 2 other Central Alpha-2 Agonist SPL records remain in this registry peer set (class inventory 3). Labeled indication field for guanfacine: Guanfacine extended-release tablets are used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Top FAERS reaction fields for guanfacine total 3,009 reports across 10 reactions, set beside clonidine, methyldopa. Counts are exposure-weighted submissions, not per-patient risk.
About guanfacine
Guanfacine extended-release tablets can help treat ADHD. It can be used alone or with stimulant medicines.
Used for: Guanfacine extended-release tablets are used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It can be used by itself or with other stimulant medicines to help manage ADHD symptoms. This medicine works by affecting certain receptors in the brain.
2 Central Alpha-2 Agonist peers (wide set)
clonidine
RxCatapres
Clonidine is used to treat high blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. This medicine helps to lower your blood pressure to a safer level.
methyldopa
RxAldomet
Methyldopa is used to treat hypertension, which is also known as high blood pressure. High blood pressure can strain the heart and blood vessels. Lowering blood pressure can reduce the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
guanfacine vs clonidine & methyldopa · FAERS reaction fields
FAERS top-reaction field "Fatigue" shows the widest count spread between guanfacine and clonidine, methyldopa in this extract (2,596-report gap on that field). Counts are exposure-weighted submissions, not prevalence rates.
| Side Effect | guanfacine | clonidine | methyldopa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Somnolence | 455 | - | - |
| Aggression | 376 | - | - |
| Fatigue | 329 | 2,925 | - |
| Hypotension | 289 | 1,542 | - |
| Dizziness | 270 | 1,876 | - |
| Headache | 268 | 2,798 | 123 |
| Insomnia | 264 | - | - |
| Suicidal Ideation | 259 | - | - |
"-" means no reports for that reaction. Report counts reflect total FAERS submissions, not prevalence rates.
guanfacine shortage vs Central Alpha-2 Agonist peer index
Shortage status
FDA shortage listing is active for guanfacine (status: To Be Discontinued). Peer rows remain a registry index, not a switch guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does FDA list a shortage for guanfacine while peers remain indexed? ▼
Registry note: Shortage listings and peer indexes are for registry orientation only. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not stop or change your medication without talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
Field note for guanfacine: see also the generic vs brand label guide when reading Intuniv SPL strings.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.