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Central Nervous System > ADHD/narcolepsy

RITALIN

Manufacturer

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp

Legal Classification

CII

Pharmacological Class

Stimulant.

Generic Name

Methylphenidate HCl 5mg, 10mg+, 20mg+; tabs; +scored.

Also

• RITALIN-SR
• RITALIN LA

Indications

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Narcolepsy.

Children

<6yrs: not recommended. ≥6yrs: initially 5mg twice daily before breakfast and lunch. May increase by 5–10mg weekly; max 60mg/day.

Adults

10–60mg daily in 2–3 divided doses preferably 30–45 minutes before meals.

Contraindications

Marked anxiety, tension, agitation. Glaucoma. History of tics or Tourette's syndrome in patient or family. During or within 14 days of MAOIs.

Precautions

Discontinue if seizures or agitation occur. Reduce dose or discontinue if paradoxical worsening of symptoms occurs. Reassess periodically. Reevaluate therapy at puberty. Hypertension. Psychosis. Seizure disorders. Depression. Normal fatigue states. Emotionally unstable (eg, drug or alcohol abusers). May exacerbate behavior disturbances, thought disorders. Monitor growth, BP, CBC, differential, platelet counts. Pregnancy (Cat.C). Nursing mothers.

Interactions

See Contraindications. Caution with pressor agents, α₂-agonists (eg, clonidine). May increase levels of anticonvulsants, oral anticoagulants, tricyclics, phenylbutazone. Antagonizes guanethidine, other antihypertensives. Drugs that affect GI pH may affect release of methylphenidate from caps.

Adverse Reactions

Insomnia, nervousness, CNS overstimulation, anorexia, weight loss, abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness, headache, dyskinesias, hypertension, tachycardia, arrhythmias, Tourette's syndrome, toxic psychosis, seizures, blood dyscrasias, rash, visual disturbances.

How Supplied

All—100

Additional Resources

• Related Prescribing Note