Why was guanabenz discontinued?

It's not clear why both brand and generic forms of guanabenz were [discontinued](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=074517). The [guanabenz powder formulation](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=902b4554-e8ea-6efd-e053-2a95a90aff00) is still available for animal use only.

guanabenz

Generic Wytensin

Used for Hypertension

Basics FAQs Dosage Interactions Prices Medicare

Guanabenz is a medication that's used alone or with a diuretic (water pill) to treat high blood pressure, but it's no longer available in the United States.

Reviewed by:

Yen Nguyen, PharmD

Cydnee Ng, PharmD

Last reviewed on November 9, 2021

Basics FAQs Dosage Interactions Prices Medicare

What is Guanabenz?

Drug facts

Common BrandsWytensin(brand no longer available)

Drug ClassAlpha agonist

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityDiscontinued

Common questions about Guanabenz

Guanabenz is a medication used to treat high blood pressure by lowering the signal from the brain that's responsible for tightening blood vessels. This will lower the heart rate and relax the blood vessels to allow blood to flow easier through the body.

No, guanabenz is currently not available in the United States.

It's not clear why both brand and generic forms of guanabenz were discontinued. The guanabenz powder formulation is still available for animal use only.

How to save using GoodRx

1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.

2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.

3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.

Get free coupon Learn more

Guanabenz dosage

Typical dosage for Guanabenz

Interactions between Guanabenz and other drugs

Guanabenz may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Guanabenz. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Iobenguane I 131

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Yohimbine