IMPORTANT WARNING:  

Why is this medication prescribed?  

Guanethidine is used to treat high blood pressure. It works by decreasing your heart rate and relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily through the body.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?  

Guanethidine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take guanethidine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Guanethidine controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take guanethidine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking guanethidine without talking to your doctor. Abruptly stopping guanethidine may increase blood pressure and cause unwanted side effects.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?  

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose  

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?  

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to guanethidine.

To relieve dry mouth caused by guanethidine, chew gum or suck sugarless hard candy.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names