Guanfacine XR excels in ADHD

Guanfacine extended release (SPD503), a selective α_2A-adrenoceptor agonist, improves symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents, and appears to be generally well tolerated, according to the results of four multicentre studies* presented at the 167th Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) [San Diego, California, US; May 2007]. Guanfacine extended release is a new once-daily formulation of guanfacine, which is believed to improve ADHD symptoms through its action at the prefrontal cortex. Although small studies have demonstrated that the immediate-release formulation of the drug is effective for the treatment of ADHD, it only has a short duration of action. Guanfacine extended release is designed to reduce peak-to-trough fluctuations in drug concentrations to provide superior tolerability, while maintaining therapeutic levels of the drug.