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Updated: Sep 17, 2025

Event Related Potentials ERPs and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD
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Accidental Ingestion of Extended-Release Guanfacine in a Toddler

Dina R Assali1, Alek Q Adkins2, Jonathan Chang3

  • 1Emergency Department, OhioHealth Doctors Hospital, Columbus, USA.

Cureus
|July 4, 2025
PubMed

Insights

This case report details a toddler

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Toxicology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Guanfacine, an alpha-2a agonist, is used to treat conditions like ADHD.
  • Its mechanism involves central nervous system (CNS) effects, typically causing depression, hypotension, and bradycardia.

Observation:

  • A healthy toddler experienced exploratory ingestion of extended-release (ER) guanfacine.
  • The patient presented with persistent hypertension, a rare and severe adverse effect.

Findings:

  • Persistent hypertension required intravenous vasodilatory medication.
  • This highlights a rare, life-threatening complication of alpha-2 agonist exposure in children.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should be aware of the potential for severe hypertension following guanfacine overdose.
  • This case expands the literature on rare adverse effects of alpha-2 agonists in pediatric populations.

Keywords:
bradycardiaguanfacinehypertensionnicardipineoverdose

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