METHYLPHENIDATE |
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METHYLPHENIDATE
BRAND & GENERIC NAMES
Methidate
Ritalin
Ritalin SR
BASIC INFORMATION
Habit forming? Yes
Available as generic? Yes
Prescription needed? Yes
Drug class: Sympathomimetic (see Drugs Glossary)
USES
Treatment for hyperactive children.
Treatment for narcolepsy (uncontrollable attacks of
sleepiness).
DOSAGE & USAGE INFORMATION
How to take:
Tablet or extended-release tablet -- Swallow with liquid or food
to lessen stomach irritation. If you can't swallow whole,
crumble tablet and take with liquid or food.
When to take:
At the same times each day.
Don't take with:
Any other medicines, even over-the-counter drugs such as cough
and cold medicines, nose drops, diet pills, laxatives or
caffeine, without consulting your doctor.
If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2
hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).
What drug does:
Stimulates brain to improve alertness, concentration and
attention span. Calms the hyperactive child.
Time lapse before drug works:
1 month or more for maximum effect on child.
30 minutes to stimulate adults.
OVERDOSE
SYMPTOMS:
Rapid heartbeat, fever, confusion, vomiting, agitation,
hallucinations, convulsions, coma.
WHAT TO DO:
Dial 0 (operator) or 911 (emergency) for an ambulance or
medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
If the child is unconscious and not breathing, give mouth-to-
mouth breathing. If there is no heartbeat, use cardiac massage
and mouth-to-mouth breathing (CPR). Don't try to make the child
vomit. If you can't get help quickly, take the child to nearest
emergency facility.
See EMERGENCY INFORMATION.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS
SYMPTOMS WHAT TO DO
Life-threatening:
None expected.
Common:
Mood change. Continue. Call doctor when
convenient.
Nervousness, Continue. Tell doctor
insomnia, dizziness, at next visit.
headache, appetite loss.
Infrequent:
Rash or hives; Discontinue. Call
chest pain; fast, doctor right away.
irregular heartbeat;
unusual bruising; joint
pain; psychosis;
uncontrollable movements;
unexplained fever.
Nausea, abdominal Continue. Call doctor
pain. when convenient.
Rare:
Blurred vision, Discontinue. Call
sore throat, fever, doctor right away.
red spots under skin.
Unusual tiredness. Continue. Call doctor when
convenient.
WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if:
You are allergic to methylphenidate.
You have glaucoma.
Patient is younger than 6.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
If you have epilepsy.
If you have high blood pressure.
If you take MAO inhibitors.
Pregnancy:
No proven harm to unborn child. Avoid if possible.
Infants & children:
Use only under medical supervision for children 6 or older.
Prolonged use:
Rare: possibility of physical growth retardation.
Skin & sunlight:
No age-related problems expected.
Driving or hazardous activities:
No age-related problems expected.
Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue abruptly. Don't discontinue without doctor's
advice until you complete prescribed dose, even though symptoms
diminish or disappear.
Others:
Dose must be carefully adjusted by doctor.
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS
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| Acebutolol |
Decreased effects of both drugs. |
| Anticholinergics |
Increased |
| (see Drugs Glossary) |
anticholinergic effect. |
| Anticoagulants (oral, |
Increased |
| see Drugs Glossary) |
anticoagulant effect. |
| Anticonvulsants |
Increased |
| (see Drugs Glossary) |
anticonvulsant effect. |
| Antidepressants, |
Increased |
| tricyclic (TCA, |
antidepressant effect. |
| see Drugs Glossary) |
Decreased methylphenidate effect. |
| Antihypertensives |
Decreased antihypertensive |
| (see Drugs Glossary) |
effect. |
| Guanadrel |
Decreased guanadrel effect. |
| Guanethidine |
Decreased guanethidine effect. |
| MAO inhibitors |
Dangerous rise in |
| (see Drugs Glossary) |
blood pressure. |
| Minoxidil |
Decreased minoxidil effect. |
| Nitrates |
Possible decreased effects of both |
| |
drugs. |
| Oxprenolol |
Decreased effects of both drugs. |
| Oxyphenbutazone |
Increased oxyphenbutazone effect. |
| Phenylbutazone |
Increased phenylbutazone effect. |
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES
| Marijuana: |
None expected. |
| Tobacco: |
None expected. |
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