Guanfacine extended-release: in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Victoria J Muir1, Caroline M Perry
1Adis, a Wolters Kluwer Business, Auckland, New Zealand. demail@adis.co.nz
Drugs
|August 25, 2010
Summary
Guanfacine extended-release (ER) effectively treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents by reducing core symptoms. Long-term studies show sustained benefits and good tolerability with this alpha(2A)-adrenoceptor agonist.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children and adolescents.
- Guanfacine, an alpha(2A)-adrenoceptor agonist, is an established treatment option.
- Extended-release (ER) formulations aim to improve therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of guanfacine ER in treating ADHD symptoms in pediatric populations.
- To assess the long-term effectiveness and tolerability of guanfacine ER.
- To investigate the impact of guanfacine ER on oppositional symptoms in ADHD.
Main Methods:
- Two large, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials assessed short-term efficacy over 8-9 weeks.
- Guanfacine ER dosage ranged from 1-4 mg once daily.
- Noncomparative, open-label extension trials evaluated long-term outcomes over 24 months.
Main Results:
- Guanfacine ER demonstrated significant reductions in ADHD Rating Scale IV (ADHD-RS-IV) total scores compared to placebo.
- Significant improvements were observed in hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention symptoms.
- Oppositional symptoms also showed significant reduction in a subgroup analysis.
- Sustained symptom improvement was noted over 24 months in extension trials.
Conclusions:
- Guanfacine ER is an effective treatment for ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents.
- The medication shows sustained efficacy and is relatively well-tolerated over a 24-month period.
- Somnolence-related adverse events were the most common but tended to resolve over time.
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