Biology Disease
Drugs and Medicines

Drug Name Methylphenidate HCl oral

Methylphenidate HCl oral Drug Category METHYLPHENIDATE - ORAL

Methylphenidate HCl oral Drug Information

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug. METHYLPHENIDATE - ORAL (meth-ill-FEN-eh-date) COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ritalin WARNING: Methylphenidate should be given cautiously to emotionally unstable patients such as those with a history of alcohol or drug abuse. Such patients may be more likely to increase their doses unnecessarily. Abuse of this medication can lead to abnormal behavior. If methylphenidate must be stopped, it should be stopped gradually over time. Do not suddenly stop this medication because severe depression or hidden overactivity may occur. In some people, long-term monitoring may be required after the medication is stopped. USES: Methylphenidate increases mental alertness. It is used in those who have problems staying awake (narcolepsy) and for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). OTHER USES: This medication may also be used for treating depression in certain cases. HOW TO USE: This medication is best taken 30 to 45 minutes before a meal or take as directed by your doctor. Dosage depends on your condition and response to this medication. If loss of appetite occurs or if you experience stomach upset, it may be taken with or after meals or a snack. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Also, if used for a long period of time, do not suddenly stop using this without first consulting your doctor. When used for extended periods, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Consult your doctor if the medication isn't working well. SIDE EFFECTS: Loss of appetite, blurred vision, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, dry mouth, stomach upset, sleeplessness, irritability or constipation may occur the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: weight loss, chest pain, nervousness, pounding heart, difficulty urinating, mood changes, yellowing eyes and skin. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: seizures or motor tics, Tourette's disorder, glaucoma, high blood pressure, severe anxiety, alcoholism, drug dependence, mental conditions, any allergies. If this medication makes you dizzy or lightheaded, use caution driving or engaging in activities requiring alertness. Methylphenidate should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if methylphenidate is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Certain medications taken with this drug could result in serious, even fatal, drug interactions. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before or after treatment with this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information. Before using this medication, tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription drugs you may use, especially: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), medications for seizures, medicine for depression (tricyclics such as amitriptyline), high blood pressure medicine (e.g., guanethidine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dilated pupils, vomiting, nervousness, twitching, tremors, flushing, sweating, severe or persistent headache, seizures, and loss of consciousness. NOTES: Do not allow anyone else to take this medication. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered and take any remaining doses at evenly spaced times. If it is near bedtime or near time for the next dose, skip that dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.