METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE
RxNorm 1091150· ORAL
AvPAK
Boxed Warning
WARNING: ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE CNS stimulants, including methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets, other methylphenidate-containing products, and amphetamines, have a high potential for abuse and dependence. Assess the risk of abuse prior to prescribing, and monitor for signs of abuse and dependence while on therapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2, 9.3)] . WARNING: ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. CNS stimulants, including m ethylphenidate hydrochloride tablets , other methylphenidate-containing products, and amphetamines, have a high potential for abuse and dependence (5.1, 9.2, 9.3). Assess the risk of abuse prior to prescribing, and monitor for signs of abuse and dependence while on therapy (5.1, 9.2)
Indications and usage
1. INDICATIONS AND USAGE Methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the treatment of: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) in pediatric patients 6 years and older and adults Narcolepsy Methylphenidate hydrochloride is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) and Narcolepsy
Dosage and administration
2. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Methylphenidate hydrochloride Tablets, USP (2.2) : Pediatric Patients 6 years and older: Start with 5 mg twice daily (before breakfast and lunch), titrating the dose weekly in 5 to 10 mg increments. Dosages above 60 mg/day are not recommended. Adults: Average daily dosage is 20 to 30 mg, administered 2 or 3 times daily, preferably 30 to 45 minutes before meals. Maximum total daily dosage is 60 mg. 2.1 Pretreatment Screening Prior to treating pediatric patients and adults with central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, including methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets, assess for the presence of cardiac disease (i.e., perform a careful history including family history of sudden death or ventricular arrhythmia, and physical examination) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] . Assess the risk of abuse prior to prescribing, and monitor for signs of abuse and dependence while on therapy. Maintain careful prescription records, educate patients about abuse, monitor for signs of abuse and overdose, and periodically reevaluate the need for methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets use [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Drug Abuse and Dependence (9)]. 2.2 General Dosing Information Methylphenidate hydrochloride Tablets Pediatric Patients 6 years and Older: Start with 5 mg orally twice daily (before breakfast and lunch). Increase dosage gradually, in increments of 5 to 10 mg weekly. Daily dosage above 60 mg is not recommended. Adults: Average dosage is 20 to 30 mg daily. Administer orally in divided doses 2 or 3 times daily, preferably 30 to 45 minutes before meals. Maximum total daily dosage is 60 mg. Patients who are unable to sleep if medication is taken late in the day should take the last dose before 6 p.m. Pharmacological treatment of ADHD may be needed for extended periods. Periodically reevaluate the long-term use of methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets, and adjust dosage as needed. 2.3 Dose Reduction and Discontinuation If paradoxical worsening of symptoms or other adverse reactions occur, reduce the dosage, or, if necessary, discontinue methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets. If improvement is not observed after appropriate dosage adjustment over a one-month period, the drug should be discontinued.
Warnings
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Serious Cardiovascular Events : Sudden death has been reported in association with CNS-stimulant treatment at usual doses in pediatric patients with structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious heart problems. In adults, sudden death, stroke, and myocardial infarction have been reported. Avoid use in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious heart rhythm arrhythmias, or coronary artery disease (5.2). Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Increases : Monitor blood pressure and pulse. Consider the benefits and risk in patients for whom an increase in blood pressure or heart rate would be problematic (5.3) Psychiatric Adverse Reactions : Use of stimulants may cause psychotic or manic symptoms in patients with no prior history or exacerbation of symptoms in patients with preexisting psychiatric illness. Evaluate for preexisting psychotic or bipolar disorder prior to methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets use (5.4). Priapism : Cases of painful and prolonged penile erections, and priapism have been reported with methylphenidate products. Immediate medical attention should be sought if signs or symptoms of prolonged penile erections or priapism are observed (5.5). Peripheral Vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s Phenomenon : Stimulants used to treat ADHD are associated with peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon. Careful observation for digital changes is necessary during treatment with ADHD stimulants (5.6). Long-Term Suppression of Growth : Monitor height and weight at appropriate intervals in pediatric patients (5.7). 5.1 Potential for Abuse and Dependence CNS stimulants, including methylphenidate hydrochloride, other methylphenidate-containing products, and amphetamines, have a high potential for abuse and dependence. Assess the risk of abuse prior to prescribing, and monitor for signs of abuse and dependence while on therapy [see Boxed Warning, Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2, 9.3)]. 5.2 Serious Cardiovascular Reactions Sudden death, stroke and myocardial infarction have been reported in adults with CNS stimulant treatment at recommended doses. Sudden death has been reported in pediatric patients with structural cardiac abnormalities and other serious heart problems taking CNS stimulants at recommended doses for ADHD. Avoid use in patients with known serious structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious heart rhythm abnormalities, coronary artery disease, and other serious heart problems. Further evaluate patients who develop exertional chest pain, unexplained syncope, or arrhythmias during methylphenidate hydrochloride treatment. 5.3 Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Increases CNS stimulants cause an increase in blood pressure (mean increase approximately 2 to 4 mmHg) and heart rate (mean increase approximately 3 to 6 bpm). Individuals may have larger increases. Monitor all patients for hypertension and tachycardia. 5.4 Psychiatric Adverse Reactions Exacerbation of Preexisting Psychosis CNS stimulants may exacerbate symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder in patients with a preexisting psychotic disorder. Induction of a Manic Episode in Patients with Bipolar Disorder CNS stimulants may induce a manic or mixed mood episode in patients. Prior to initiating treatment, screen patients for risk factors for developing a manic episode (e.g. comorbid or history of depressive symptoms or a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, or depression). New Psychotic or Manic Symptoms CNS stimulants, at recommended doses, may cause psychotic or manic symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusional thinking, or mania) in patients without a prior history of psychotic illness or mania. If such symptoms occur, consider discontinuing methylphenidate hydrochloride. In a pooled analysis of multiple short-term, placebo-controlled studies of CNS stimulants, psychotic or manic symptoms occurred in approximately 0.1% of CNS stimulant-treated patients, compared to 0…
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or other components of methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets. Hypersensitivity reactions such as angioedema and anaphylactic reactions have been reported in patients treated with methylphenidate [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Concomitant treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or within 14 days following discontinuation of treatment with an MAOI, because of the risk of hypertensive crises [see Drug Interactions (7.1)]. Known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or other product components of methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets (4) Concurrent treatment with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or use of an MAOI within the preceding 14 days (4)
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Antihypertensive drugs: Monitor blood pressure. Adjust dosage of antihypertensive drug as needed (7) Halogenated anesthetics: Avoid use of methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets on the day of surgery if halogenated anesthetics will be used (7) 7.1 Clinically Important Interactions with methylphenidate hydrochloride Table 1 presents clinically important drug interactions with methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets Table 1: Clinically Important Drug Interactions with methylphenidate hydrochloride Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) Clinical Impact Concomitant use of MAOIs and CNS stimulants, including methylphenidate hydrochloride can cause hypertensive crisis. Potential outcomes include death, stroke, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, ophthalmological complications, eclampsia, pulmonary edema, and renal failure [see Contraindications (4)]. Intervention Concomitant use of methylphenidate hydrochloride with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days after discontinuing MAOI treatment is contraindicated. Examples selegiline, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, linezolid, methylene blue Antihypertensive Drugs Clinical Impact Methylphenidate hydrochloride may decrease the effectiveness of drugs used to treat hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] . Intervention Monitor blood pressure and adjust the dosage of the antihypertensive drug as needed. Examples Potassium-sparing and thiazide diuretics, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), beta blockers, centrally acting alpha-2 receptor agonists Halogenated Anesthetics Clinical Impact Concomitant use of halogenated anesthetics and methylphenidate hydrochloride may increase the risk of sudden blood pressure and heart rate increase during surgery. Intervention Avoid use of methylphenidate hydrochloride in patients being treated with anesthetics on the day of surgery. Examples halothane, isoflurane, enflurane, desflurane, sevoflurane
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to ADHD medications, including methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets, during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for ADHD Medications at 1-866-961-2388 or visit https://womensmentalhealth.org/adhd-medications/ Risk Summary Published studies and postmarketing reports on methylphenidate use during pregnancy have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There may be risks to the fetus associated with the use of CNS stimulants use during pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations) . No effects on morphological development were observed in embryo-fetal development studies with oral administration of methylphenidate to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at doses up to 10 and 15 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 60 mg/day given to adolescents on a mg/m 2 basis. However, spina bifida was observed in rabbits at a dose 52 times the MRHD given to adolescents. A decrease in pup body weight was observed in a pre and post-natal development study with oral administration of methylphenidate to rats throughout pregnancy and lactation at doses 6 times the MRHD given to adolescents (see Data) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20% respectively. Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions CNS stimulants, such as methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets, can cause vasoconstriction and thereby decrease placental perfusion. No fetal and/or neonatal adverse reactions have been reported with the use of therapeutic doses of methylphenidate during pregnancy; however, premature delivery and low birth weight infants have been reported in amphetamine-dependent mothers. Data Animal Data In embryo-fetal development studies conducted in rats and rabbits, methylphenidate was administered orally at doses of up to 75 and 200 mg/kg/day, respectively, during the period of organogenesis. Malformations (increased incidence of fetal spina bifida) were observed in rabbits at the highest dose, which is approximately 52 times the MRHD of 60 mg/day given to adolescents on a mg/m 2 basis. The no effect level for embryo-fetal development in rabbits was 60 mg/kg/day (15times the MRHD given to adolescents on a mg/m 2 basis). There was no evidence of morphological development effects in rats, although increased incidences of fetal skeletal variations were seen at the highest dose level (10 times the MRHD of 60 mg/day given to adolescents on a mg/m 2 basis), which was also maternally toxic. The no effect level for embryo-fetal development in rats was 25 mg/kg/day (3 times the MRHD on a mg/m 2 basis). When methylphenidate was administered to rats throughout pregnancy and lactation at doses of up to 45 mg/kg/day, offspring body weight gain was decreased at the highest dose (6 times the MRHD of 60 mg/day given to adolescents on a mg/m 2 basis), but no other effects on postnatal development were observed. The no effect level for pre and postnatal development in rats was 15 mg/kg/day (~2 times the MRHD given to adolescents on a mg/m 2 basis).
Nursing mothers
8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Limited published literature, based on milk sampling from seven mothers reports that methylphenidate is present in human milk, which resulted in infant doses of 0.16% to 0.7% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage and a milk/plasma ratio ranging between 1.1 and 2.7. There are no reports of adverse effects on the breastfed infant and no effects on milk production. Long-term neurodevelopmental effects on infants from stimulant exposure are unknown. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for methylphenidate hydrochloride and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from methylphenidate hydrochloride or from the underlying maternal condition. Clinical Considerations Monitor breastfeeding infants for adverse reactions, such as agitation, insomnia, anorexia, and reduced weight gain.
Adverse events
Most frequently reported events (FDA FAERS). Report frequency does not imply causation.
- drug ineffective6,119
- fatigue3,146
- headache2,925
- nausea2,925
- off label use2,818
- anxiety2,789
- depression2,314
- insomnia2,122
- somnolence1,873
- dizziness1,789
- feeling abnormal1,760
- vomiting1,710
- suicidal ideation1,669
- decreased appetite1,647
- weight decreased1,606
- aggression1,504
Adverse reactions (label)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: Abuse and Dependence [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2, 9.3 ) ] Known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or other ingredients of methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets [see Contraindications (4)] Hypertensive crisis with Concomitant Use of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors [see Contraindications (4), Drug Interactions (7.1)] Serious Cardiovascular Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Increases [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Psychiatric Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Priapism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Peripheral Vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s Phenomenon [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] Long-term Suppression of Growth [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] The following adverse reactions associated with the use of all methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets and other methylphenidate products were identified in clinical trials, spontaneous reports, and literature. Because these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to estimate their frequency reliably or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Adverse Reactions Reported with methylphenidate hydrochloride Infections and Infestations: nasopharyngitis Blood and the Lymphatic System Disorders : leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia Immune System Disorders: hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema and anaphylaxis Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: decreased appetite, reduced weight gain, and suppression of growth during prolonged use in pediatric patients Psychiatric Disorders: insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, agitation, psychosis (sometimes with visual and tactile hallucinations), depressed mood Nervous System Disorders: headache, dizziness, tremor, dyskinesia including choreoatheetoid movements, drowsiness, convulsions, cerebrovascular disorders (including vasculitis, cerebral hemorrhages and cerebrovascular accidents), serotonin syndrome in combination with serotonergic drugs Eye Disorders: blurred vision, difficulties in visual accommodation Cardiac Disorders: tachycardia, palpitations, increased blood pressure, arrhythmias, angina pectoris Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: cough Gastrointestinal Disorders: dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dyspepsia Hepatobiliary Disorders: abnormal liver function, ranging from transaminase elevation to severe hepatic injury Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: hyperhidrosis, pruritus, urticaria, exfoliative dermatitis, scalp hair loss, erythema multiforme rash, thrombocytopenic purpura Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: arthralgia, muscle cramps, rhabdomyolysis Investigations: weight loss (adult ADHD patients) Additional Adverse Reactions Reported With Other Methylphenidate-Containing Products The list below shows adverse reactions not listed for methylphenidate hydrochloride that have been reported with other methylphenidate-containing products. Blood and Lymphatic Disorders: pancytopenia Immune System Disorders: hypersensitivity reactions such as auricular swelling, bullous conditions, eruptions, exanthemas Psychiatric Disorders: affect lability, mania, disorientation and libido changes Nervous System Disorders: migraine Eye Disorders: diplopia, mydriasis Cardiac Disorders: sudden cardiac death, myocardial infarction, bradycardia, extrasystole Vascular Disorders: peripheral coldness, Raynaud's phenomenon Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: pharyngolaryngeal pain, dyspnea Gastrointestinal Disorders: diarrhea, constipation Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: angioneurotic edema, erythema, fixed drug eruption Musculoskeletal, Connective Tissue and bone Disorders: myalgia, muscle twitching Renal and Urinary Disorders: hematuria Reproductive System and Breast Disorders: gynecomastia Gene…
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