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| Generic Name: | methylphenidate |
| Pronounced: | meh thill FEH nih date |
| Brand Names: | Concerta,
Metadate CD,
Metadate ER,
Methylin,
Methylin ER,
Ritalin,
Ritalin LA,
Ritalin-SR |
What is the most important information I should know about
methylphenidate? |
|
 | Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Methylphenidate may cause dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, or impair your ability to concentrate.
If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, or impaired concentration, avoid these activities. |
|
 | Do not crush, chew, or break the sustained- or extended-release formulations of
methylphenidate (Ritalin SR, Ritalin LA, Metadate ER, Metadate CD, Methylin ER, Concerta).
Swallow these whole with water or another beverage. They are specially formulated to release
medication slowly in the body. Alternatively, the Ritalin LA and Metadate CD capsules may be opened
and the contents sprinkled onto a tablespoon of applesauce (not warm), and the mixture swallowed
immediately. Do not save the mixture for later use. The capsule contents should be swallowed whole
and not crushed or chewed. |
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What is methylphenidate? |
| Methylphenidate is a mild stimulant to the central nervous system (brain and nerves). The exact
way that methylphenidate works is unknown. |
| Methylphenidate is used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD), and narcolepsy. |
| Methylphenidate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. |
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
methylphenidate? |
 | Do not take methylphenidate if you have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such
as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. |
|
| Do not take methylphenidate without first talking to your doctor if you have |
|
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an allergy to methylphenidate;
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severe tension, agitation, or anxiety;
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glaucoma;
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motor tics or have been diagnosed with Tourette's
syndrome;
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depression;
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a psychotic condition such as schizophrenia;
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epilepsy or another seizure disorder;
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high blood pressure (hypertension);
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a history of alcohol or drug abuse; or
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a narrowing or blockage of your gastrointestinal tract
(esophagus, stomach, or intestines).
|
| You may not be able to take methylphenidate, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. |
| The use of methylphenidate in children may cause suppression of growth. Growth should be
monitored during treatment and children who are not growing or gaining weight as expected may need
to have their treatment interrupted. Talk to your doctor if you have questions. |
 | Methylphenidate is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known
whether methylphenidate will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take methylphenidate without first
talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. |
|
 | It is not known whether methylphenidate passes into breast milk. Do not take
methylphenidate without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. |
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How should I take methylphenidate? |
|
| Take methylphenidate exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain the instructions to you. |
 | Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Taking this product without adequate
liquid may cause it to swell and could lead to choking. |
|
 | Take each dose of Ritalin or Methylin 30 to 45 minutes before a meal. |
|
| Chew the chewable tablets thoroughly before swallowing. |
| The sustained-release forms of methylphenidate (Ritalin-SR, Metadate ER, Metadate CD,
Methylin ER, Concerta) can be taken with or without food. |
| Do not crush, chew, or break the sustained- or extended-release formulations of
methylphenidate (Ritalin SR, Ritalin LA, Metadate ER, Metadate CD, Methylin ER, Concerta).
Swallow these whole with water or another beverage. They are specially formulated to release
medication slowly in the body. Alternatively, the Ritalin LA and Metadate CD capsules may be opened
and the contents sprinkled onto a tablespoon of applesauce (not warm), and the mixture swallowed
immediately. Do not save the mixture for later use. The capsule contents should be swallowed whole
and not crushed or chewed. |
|
| If you are taking Concerta, do not be alarmed if you see in your stool what looks like a tablet.
This is the outer shell of the tablet, the medication has been absorbed by your body. |
 | Store methylphenidate at room temperature away from moisture and heat. |
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What happens if I miss a dose? |
| Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose,
skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly schedule dose unless otherwise directed by your
doctor. Do not take a double dose of this medication. |
What happens if I overdose? |
 | Seek emergency medical attention. |
|
| Symptoms of a methylphenidate overdose include agitation, tremors (shaking), muscle twitches,
seizures, confusion, hallucinations, sweating, flushing, headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, large pupils,
and dryness of the mouth and eyes. |
|
What should I avoid while taking methylphenidate? |
| Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Methylphenidate may cause dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, or impair your ability to concentrate.
If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, or impaired concentration, avoid these activities. |
|
What are the possible side effects of methylphenidate? |
|
| If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking methylphenidate and
seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately: |
|
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
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an irregular or fast heartbeat;
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chest pains or very high blood pressure (blurred vision,
severe headache, flushing);
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unusual behavior or confusion; or
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liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea,
abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue).
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| Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take methylphenidate and talk to your doctor if you experience |
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insomnia (difficulty sleeping);
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nervousness;
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drowsiness;
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dizziness;
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headache;
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blurred vision;
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tics (repetitive movements);
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abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting;
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decreased appetite or weight loss; or
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slower weight gain and/or growth.
|
 | Methylphenidate may cause drug dependence. |
|
| Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side
effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. |
|
What other drugs will affect methylphenidate? |
| Do not take methylphenidate if you have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such
as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. |
|
| Before taking methylphenidate, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: |
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warfarin (Coumadin);
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phenytoin (Dilantin);
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phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton);
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primidone (Mysoline);
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a tricyclic antidepressant such as nortriptyline (Pamelor),
amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), doxepin (Sinequan), desipramine (Norpramin), clomipramine
(Anafranil), or imipramine (Tofranil);
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a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor such as fluoxetine
(Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft);
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clonidine (Catapres); or
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guanethidine (Ismelin).
|
| You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking
any of the medicines listed above. |
| Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with methylphenidate. Talk to your doctor
and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal
products. |
Where can I get more information? |
| Your pharmacist has more information about methylphenidate written for health professionals
that you may read. |
What does my medication look like? |
| Methylphenidate is available with a prescription generically and under the brand names Ritalin,
Methylin, Methylin ER, Metadate ER, Metadate CD, and Concerta. Other formulations may also be
available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to
you. |
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Ritalin 5 mg--round, yellow tablets
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Ritalin 10 mg--round, pale-green, scored tablets
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Ritalin 20 mg--round, pale-yellow, scored tablets
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Ritalin SR 20 mg--round, white, coated tablets
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Ritalin LA 20 mg-white capsules
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Ritalin LA 30 mg-yellow capsules
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Ritalin LA 40 mg-light brown capsules
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Methylin 5 mg-round, white, tablets
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Methylin 10 mg-round, white, scored tablets
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Methylin 20 mg-round, white, scored tablets
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Methylin ER 10 mg-round, white tablets
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Methylin ER 20 mg-round, white tablets
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Metadate ER 10 mg-oval, white, tablets
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Metadate ER 20 mg-round, white, tablets
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Metadate CD 20 mg-blue and white capsules
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Concerta 18 mg-yellow tablets
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Concerta 36 mg-white tablets
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| Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your
medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. |
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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner
Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee
is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time
sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare
practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does
not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless
specifically indicated otherwise.
Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or
recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource
designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their
patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to,
and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of
healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug
combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug
combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum
does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered
with the aid of information Multum provides.
The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses,
directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions,
or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking,
check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
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