Guanidine

Guanidine is used for the treatment of tiredness and muscle weakness that is caused by a disorder called Eaton-Lambert Syndrome.

It is an autoimmune disorder which affects the nervous system and causes weakness. Guanidine affects the nervous system and restores muscle strength.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. This product is available in the following dosage forms:

• Tablet

Before using Guanidine, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Your doctor will consider these risks before prescribing the drug and will inform you about them.

Following factors should be considered before taking this drug:

• Allergies: If you have had an allergic reaction to this drug in the past, inform your doctor. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any other drugs or food products.
• Age-specific problems: The data regarding the effects of this medicine specific to the pediatric age group is not yet available. Its safety and efficacy have not been established in children.
• The studies specific to the geriatric age group have not been carried out, therefore its safety and efficacy have not been established in older age group. However, geriatric population is more prone to having kidney, liver and heart problems.
• Drug Interactions: Certain drugs should not be used together because they can interact inside the body which can have a harmful effect. On the other hand, certain drugs are allowed to be used together. So, you should tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking. If there is a chance of interaction between those two drugs, the doctor may change the dose or may prescribe an alternative drug.

This medication should be used cautiously with following drugs:

• Donepezil
• Bupropion

Furthermore, certain medications should not be taken with alcohol or tobacco, which may also result in harmful interactions. Ask your doctor about the concurrent use of this drug along with alcohol or tobacco.

You should also inform your doctor about any other medical condition you may be suffering from, especially:

• Anemia (low red blood cells)
• Leukopenia (low white blood cells)
• Kidney disease
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelets in the blood)
• Mood changes, history of

Proper usage of Guanidine requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. Do not overuse or misuse this drug and do not use it longer than the recommended time. Read all the instructions mentioned in the medication guide. 

Do not miss any dose. The dose of this drug varies according to the condition of each person. The number of doses per day, the time interval between the doses and the length of time you have to take the medicine depends on your condition individually and all these factors should only be determined by your healthcare provider. Follow each and every instruction of your doctor and also read the label carefully.

In case you miss one dose of this drug, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your subsequent dose, you can then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

Storage: This medicine should be stored at room temperature within a closed container, away from heat, direct light, and moisture. Keep this drug out of the reach of children. Do not store expired or outdated medicines or the medicine no longer needed.

In using Guanidine, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor. This drug may lower the count of blood cells, especially WBCs.

Because of that, you may be susceptible to infection. Therefore you have to be cautious while on this drug. Wash your hands more often and do not go near someone who has an infection.

It is important for your doctor to monitor the response to medicine and look for any side effects. Therefore, regular follow-up is necessary during and after the treatment. Contact your doctor if your symptoms have not improved even after taking the full course of treatment. 

Avoid taking any other medicine unless thoroughly discussed with your doctor. Always ask your doctor before using any prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicine.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Guanidine. Although these side effects may occur only in a handful of patients but if they do occur, contact your physician immediately.

This medication is associated with following side effects:

• • bleeding gums
• • Ammonia-like breath odor
• • black, tarry stools
• • blurred vision
• • blood in the urine or stools
• • change in frequency or amount of urine
• • burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• • chills
• • chest pain
• • cloudy urine
• • confusion
• • cold sensations in the hands and feet
• • dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• • cough
• • fever
• • fast, irregular, pounding or racing heartbeat or pulse
• • loss of appetite
• • increased thirst
• • painful or difficult urination
• • nausea or vomiting
• • pinpoint red spots on the skin
• • pale skin
• • shortness of breath, especially with exercise
• • shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• • sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• • sore throat
• • swollen glands
• • sweating
• • unusual bleeding or bruising
• • unsteadiness, trembling, or problems with muscle control
• • weight loss
• • unusual tiredness or weakness

Seek medical help instantly, if you experience any of these symptoms while on lanthanum. Also contact your health care professional immediately, if have overdosed on this drug.

If any of these side effects becomes more bothersome or does not go away, contact your doctor.