Methylphenidate Hydrochloride

💊 What is Methylphenidate Hydrochloride used for?

• •The label says it is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults and in children 6 years of age and older, and to treat narcolepsy.

How it works

The label describes methylphenidate as a CNS stimulant. It says the medicine may help increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in people with ADHD. The label does not explain its mechanism in more detail.

How it is usually taken

• •The medicine is taken by mouth as an oral solution. The label says it is usually given in divided doses, two or three times a day, preferably 30 to 45 minutes before meals. For adults who have trouble sleeping when the medicine is taken late in the day, the label says the last dose should be given before 6 p.m. Follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Comes as

• •Oral solution, 5 mg per 5 mL
• •Oral solution, 10 mg per 5 mL
• •Colorless, grape-flavored liquid supplied in 500 mL bottles

⚠️ Methylphenidate Hydrochloride side effects

🛑 Who should not take Methylphenidate Hydrochloride, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You or your child are allergic to methylphenidate hydrochloride or any ingredient in the solution.
• 🚨You are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or have stopped one within the past 14 days.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your provider if you or your child have heart problems, heart disease, heart defects, or high blood pressure. The label says sudden death has happened in people with serious heart disease.
• •Tell your provider about any mental health problems, including psychosis, mania, bipolar illness, or depression, or a family history of suicide, bipolar illness, or depression.
• •Tell your provider about circulation problems in the fingers and toes, eye problems (including glaucoma or increased eye pressure), and any history of tics or Tourette's syndrome.
• •Tell your provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• •Tell your provider about all medicines, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• •Keep the medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft, and never give it to anyone else.

🔀 Methylphenidate Hydrochloride with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): combining them can cause a hypertensive crisis. The label says this combination is not allowed.
• •Antihypertensive drugs (blood pressure medicines): this medicine may reduce their effectiveness. Blood pressure should be monitored.
• •Halogenated anesthetics: the label says the medicine should be avoided on the day of surgery for patients being treated with these anesthetics.
• •Risperidone: changes in the dose of either medicine may increase the risk of extrapyramidal symptoms, so the provider should watch for these signs.
• •Serotonergic drugs: the label lists serotonin syndrome as a possible reaction when used with serotonergic drugs.

Alcohol and food

The label does not give specific guidance about alcohol. It says the medicine is usually taken 30 to 45 minutes before meals. It also says to tell your provider if you have ever abused alcohol.

🤰 Methylphenidate Hydrochloride in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says it is not known if this medicine will harm an unborn baby. It also says published studies and post-marketing reports have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse outcomes. The label also says there may be risks to the fetus with CNS stimulants during pregnancy. Discuss this with your healthcare provider.

Breastfeeding

The label says this medicine passes into breast milk. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed the baby during treatment.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

Store at 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F), with brief excursions allowed between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F). Keep in a tight container with a child-resistant closure. The label advises keeping the medicine in a safe place, preferably locked, and disposing of unused medicine properly.

If a dose is missed

The label does not say.

If too much is taken

The label describes overdose effects of CNS stimulants as including fast or irregular heartbeat, high or low blood pressure, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, serotonin syndrome, seizures, stroke, and coma. Very high body temperature and muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) may also develop. The label says dialysis is not useful because the medicine has a large volume of distribution and is rapidly metabolized. Seek emergency medical help right away if an overdose is suspected.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Methylphenidate Hydrochloride

• Is this medicine right for my condition, and how long will I need it?
• How should I take it in relation to meals and bedtime?
• What heart or blood pressure checks will I need during treatment?
• What mental health changes should I watch for and report?
• What should I do if I think someone has misused or taken too much of it?
• Which of my current medicines or supplements could interact with it?
• How should I store and dispose of unused medicine safely?

❓ Methylphenidate Hydrochloride: frequently asked questions