What can I use instead of guanidine?

A new medication for LEMS known as [Firdapse (amifampridine)](https://www.goodrx.com/firdapse/what-is) was recently approved by the FDA. It works similarly to guanidine in that it also raises the amount of acetylcholine in the body. Since LEMS is an autoimmune condition, medications that suppress the immune system (e.g. [prednisone](https://www.goodrx.com/prednisone/what-is)) might be used if you have serious symptoms. It might also be an option for you to receive treatment with [immunoglobulins](https://www.goodrx.com/classes/human-immunoglobulin-gs/what-are-immunoglobulins) to prevent your condition from getting worse. Talk to your provider about the treatment options that are best for you.

guanidine

Generic Guanidine

Used for Eaton-Lambert Syndrome

Guanidine is used to treat muscle weakness caused by a rare condition called Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). This medication has been discontinued and is no longer available in the United States.

Reviewed by:

Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD

Daisy Chau, PharmD

Last reviewed on December 19, 2022

What is Guanidine?

What is Guanidine used for?

Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS)

Drug facts

Common Brands	No brands available
Drug Class	Cholinergic agonist
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Discontinued

Common Brands

No brands available

Drug Class

Cholinergic agonist

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Discontinued

Common questions about Guanidine

Guanidine treats a condition known as Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). LEMS is an autoimmune condition, meaning that the body's own immune system attacks healthy cells. LEMS affects the muscles in the arms and legs, and causes them to be weak and tired. Guanidine works to treat LEMS by helping the body release more acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a chemical that helps with communication between the nerves and muscles.So Guanidine lessens muscle weakness by raising the amount of acetylcholine in the body.

No, Guanidine has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer available in the United States. It's unclear why this medication was discontinued.

A new medication for LEMS known as Firdapse (amifampridine) was recently approved by the FDA. It works similarly to Guanidine in that it also raises the amount of acetylcholine in the body. Since LEMS is an autoimmune condition, medications that suppress the immune system (e.g. prednisone) might be used if you have serious symptoms. It might also be an option for you to receive treatment with immunoglobulins to prevent your condition from getting worse. Talk to your provider about the treatment options that are best for you.

Guanidine dosage

Typical dosage for Guanidine

Interactions between Guanidine and other drugs

Guanidine 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 Guanidine. 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.