Methylphenidate Hydrochloride

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets are indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults (up to the age of 65 years) and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older [ see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . Limitations of Use The use of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets is not recommended in pediatric patients younger than 6 years of age because they had higher plasma exposure and a higher incidence of adverse reactions (e.g., weight loss) than patients 6 years and older at the same dosage [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 )]. Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets are a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults (up to the age of 65 years) and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older ( 1 ). Limitations of Use The use of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets is not recommended in pediatric patients younger than 6 years of age because they had higher plasma exposure and a higher incidence of adverse reactions (e.g., weight loss) than patients 6 years and older at the same dosage ( 5.7 , 8.4 ).

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Administer once daily in the morning with or without food. ( 2.2 ) Swallow whole with liquid. Do not chew, divide, or crush. ( 2.2 ) Recommended dosage for patients new to methylphenidate ( 2.3 ): Pediatric patients 6 to 17 years Starting dosage is 18 mg once daily. Dosage may be increased by 18 mg once per day at weekly intervals. Maximum dosage for pediatric patients 6 to 12 years: 54 mg once daily. Maximum dosage for pediatric patients 13 to 17 years: 72 mg once daily. Adults (up to 65 years) Starting dosage is 18 mg or 36 mg once daily. Dosage may be increased by 18 mg once daily at weekly intervals. Maximum dosage: 72 mg once daily. 2.1 Pretreatment Screening Prior to treating patients with methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets assess: for the presence of cardiac disease (i.e., perform a careful history, family history of sudden death or ventricular arrhythmia, and physical exam) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. the family history and clinically evaluate patients for motor or verbal tics or Tourette's syndrome before initiating methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )]. 2.2 General Administration Information Administer methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets orally once daily in the morning with or without food. Swallow methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets whole with liquid. Do not chew, divide, or crush [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] . 2.3 Dosage Recommendations for Patients New to Methylphenidate Table 1 includes the starting dosage and dosage recommendations for methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years and adults who are not currently taking methylphenidate or other stimulants. Table 1: Dosage Recommendations for methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets in Pediatric Patients 6 to 17 years and Adults Patient Population Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets Recommended Starting Dosage Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets Dosage Range Pediatric patients 6 to 12 years 18 mg once daily 18 mg to 54 mg once daily 13 to 17 years 18 mg once daily 18 mg to 72 mg once daily (not to exceed 2 mg/kg/day) Adults 18 (up to 65 years) 18 mg or 36 mg once daily 18 mg to 72 mg once daily 2.4 Dosage Recommendations for Patients Currently Using Methylphenidate The recommended starting dosage of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets for patients who are currently taking methylphenidate twice daily or three times daily at doses of 10 mg to 60 mg daily is provided in Table 2. Table 2: Recommended Starting Dosage when Converting from Methylphenidate Regimens to methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets Current Methylphenidate Daily Dosage Recommended Starting Dosage of Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets 5 mg methylphenidate twice daily or three times daily 18 mg once daily in the morning 10 mg methylphenidate twice daily or three times daily 36 mg once daily in the morning 15 mg methylphenidate twice daily or three times daily 54 mg once daily in the morning 20 mg methylphenidate twice daily or three times daily 72 mg once daily in the morning 2.5 Dose Titration Doses may be increased in 18 mg increments at weekly intervals for patients who have not achieved clinical response at a lower dose. Daily dosages above 54 mg in pediatric patients 6 to 12 years and above 72 mg in pediatric patients 13 to 17 years have not been studied and are not recommended. Daily dosages above 72 mg are not recommended in adults. Dosage strengths of 27 mg, 45 mg, and 63 mg are available for additional titration options based on clinical response. 2.6 Dosage Reduction and Discontinuation If paradoxical aggravation of symptoms or other adverse reaction occur, reduce the dosage, or, if necessary, discontinue methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets. If improvement is…

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Risks to Patients with Serious Cardiac Disease: Avoid use in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, or serious cardiac disease. ( 5.2 ) Increased Blood Pressure and Heart Rate: Monitor blood pressure and pulse. ( 5.3 ) Psychiatric Adverse Reactions: Prior to initiating methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets, screen patients for risk factors for developing a manic episode. If new psychotic or manic symptoms occur, consider discontinuing methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets. ( 5.4 ) Priapism: If abnormally sustained or frequent and painful erections occur, patients should seek immediate medical attention. ( 5.5 ) Peripheral Vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s Phenomenon: Careful observation for digital changes is necessary during methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets treatment. Further clinical evaluation (e.g., rheumatology referral) may be appropriate for patients who develop signs or symptoms of peripheral vasculopathy. ( 5.6 ) Long-Term Suppression of Growth in Pediatric Patients: Closely monitor growth (height and weight) in pediatric patients. Pediatric patients not growing or gaining weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted. ( 5.7 ) Gastrointestinal Obstruction: Avoid use with preexisting GI narrowing. ( 5.8 ) Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma: Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets-treated patients considered at risk for acute angle closure glaucoma (e.g., patients with significant hyperopia) should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist. ( 5.9 ) Increased Intraocular Pressure (IOP) and Glaucoma: Prescribe methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets to patients with open-angle glaucoma or abnormally increased IOP only if the benefit of treatment is considered to outweigh the risk. Closely monitor patients with a history of increased IOP or open angle glaucoma. ( 5.10 ) Motor and Verbal Tics, and Worsening of Tourette’s Syndrome: Before initiating methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets, assess the family history and clinically evaluate patients for tics or Tourette’s syndrome. Regularly monitor patients for the emergence or worsening of tics or Tourette’s syndrome. Discontinue treatment if clinically appropriate. ( 5.11 ) 5.1 Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets have a high potential for abuse and misuse. The use of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets exposes individuals to the risks of abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets can be diverted for non-medical use into illicit channels or distribution [see Drug Abuse and Dependence ( 9.2 , 9.3 )]. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets, can result in overdose and death [see Overdosage ( 10 )] , and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection. Before prescribing methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Educate patients and their families about these risks and proper disposal of any unused drug. Advise patients to store methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets in a safe place, preferably locked, and instruct patients to not give methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets to anyone else. Throughout methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets treatment, reassess each patient’s risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction. 5.2 Risks to Patients with Serious Cardiac Disease Sudden death has been reported in patients with structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious cardiac di…

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets are contraindicated in patients: with a known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or other components of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets. Hypersensitivity reactions such as angioedema and anaphylactic reactions have been reported in patients treated with other methylphenidate products [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] . receiving concomitant treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and also within 14 days following discontinuation of treatment with a MAOI, because of the risk of hypertensive crisis [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )] . Known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or other components of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets ( 4 ) Concurrent treatment with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or use of an MAOI within the preceding 14 days ( 4 )

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Antihypertensive Drugs: Monitor blood pressure. Adjust dosage of antihypertensive drug as needed ( 7.1 ) 7.1 Clinically Important Drug Interactions Table 6 presents clinically important drug interactions with methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets. Table 6: Drugs Having Clinically Important Interactions with Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-release Tablets Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of MAOIs and CNS stimulants 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: Do not administer methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets concomitantly with MAOIs or within 14 days after discontinuing MAOI treatment. Antihypertensive Drugs Clinical Impact: Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets 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. Halogenated Anesthetics Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of halogenated anesthetics and methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets may increase the risk of sudden blood pressure and heart rate increase during surgery. Intervention: Avoid use of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets in patients being treated with anesthetics on the day of surgery. Risperidone Clinical Impact: Combined use of methylphenidate with risperidone when there is a change, whether an increase or decrease, in dosage of either or both medications, may increase the risk of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). Intervention: Monitor for signs of EPS.

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 extended-release tablets, during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for ADHD Medications at 1-866-961-2388. Risk Summary Published studies and post-marketing 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 are risks to the fetus associated with the use of central nervous system (CNS) stimulants during pregnancy ( see Clinical Considerations). No effects on morphological development were observed in development studies with oral administration of methylphenidate to pregnant rats at doses up to 4 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 72 mg/day given to adults on a mg/m 2 basis. However, malformations were observed in rabbits at a dose 54 times the MRHD given to adults. 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 extended-release 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 development studies conducted in rats and rabbits, methylphenidate was administered at doses up to 30 and 200 mg/kg/day, respectively. Methylphenidate has been shown to cause malformations in rabbits when given in doses of 200 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 54 times the MRHD on a mg/m 2 basis, respectively. A reproduction study in rats revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus at oral doses up to 30 mg/kg/day, approximately 4-fold the MRHD on a mg/m 2 basis.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction [see Box Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), and Drug Abuse and Dependence ( 9.2 , 9.3 )] Known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or other ingredients [see Contraindications ( 4 )] Hypertensive crisis when used concomitantly with monoamine oxidase inhibitors [see Contraindications ( 4 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )] Risks to Patients with Serious Cardiac Disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Increased Blood Pressure and Heart Rate [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 in Pediatric Patients [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Potential for Gastrointestinal Obstruction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Increased Intraocular Pressure and Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] Motor and Verbal Tics, and Worsening of Tourette’s Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )] The most common adverse reactions (>5%) were: Pediatric patients 6 to 17 years: abdominal pain upper ( 6.1 ) Adults: decreased appetite, headache, dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, weight decreased, irritability, and hyperhidrosis ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Trigen Laboratories, LLC at 1-800-444-5164 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The safety of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets for the treatment of ADHD is based on adequate and well-controlled studies of another formulation of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets. Below is a display of adverse reactions from those adequate and well-controlled studies in ADHD. Adults and pediatric patients 6 to 17 years with ADHD were evaluated in six controlled clinical studies and eleven open-label clinical studies (see Table 3). Safety was assessed by collecting adverse reactions, vital signs, weights, and electrocardiograms (ECGs), and by performing physical examinations and laboratory analyses. A total of 3,906 patients participated in the clinical trials. Table 3: Exposure in Double-Blind and Open-Label Clinical Studies of Another Formulation of Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets Patient Population N Dosage Range Pediatric patients 6 to 12 years 2216 18 mg to 54 mg once daily Pediatric patients 13 to 17 years 502 18 mg to 72 mg once daily Adults 1188 18 mg to 108 mg* once daily * 108 mg is 1.5 times the maximum recommended dosage of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets. The most common adverse reactions in double-blind clinical trials (>5%) were: Pediatric patients 6 to 17 years: abdominal pain upper (see Table 4). Adults: decreased appetite, headache, dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, weight decreased, irritability, and hyperhidrosis (see Table 5). The most common adverse reactions associated with discontinuation (≥1%) from either pediatric or adult clinical trials were anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and blood pressure increased . Adverse reactions in either the pediatric or adult double-blind adverse reactions tables may be relevant for both patient populations. Pediatric Patients 6 to 17 Years Table 4 lists the adverse reactions reported in 1% or more of another formulation of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablet-treated pediatric patients (6 to 17 years) in four placebo-controlled, doub…