| Methylphenidate |
Children (6 years and over):
Ritalin tablets:
Should be initiated in small doses, (e.g. 5 to 10 mg 3 times daily) with weekly
increments of 5 to 10 mg in the daily dosage. Dosage should be individualized on
the basis of factors such as age, body weight and individual response. Timing of
drug administration should be aimed to coincide with periods of greatest
academic, behavioral and social difficulties for the patient.
Daily dosage above 60 mg is not recommended.
If improvement is not observed after appropriate dosage adjustments over a 1 month period, the drug should be discontinued.
Ritalin SR (extended-release)
tablets:
Ritalin SR tablets have a duration of action of approximately 8 hours.
Therefore, they may be used in place of Ritalin tablets when the 8 hour dosage
of Ritalin SR corresponds to the titrated 8 hour dosage of Ritalin. Ritalin SR
tablets must be swallowed whole and never be crushed or chewed.
If paradoxical aggravation of symptoms or other adverse effects occur, reduce dosage, or if necessary, discontinue the drug.
Ritalin should be periodically discontinued to assess the child's condition. Improvement may be sustained when the drug is either temporarily or permanently discontinued.
Drug treatment should not and need not be indefinite and usually may be discontinued after puberty.
Adults:
Ritalin tablets:
Administer in divided doses 2 or 3 times daily, preferably 30 to 40 minutes
before meals. Average daily dosage is 20 to 30 mg. Some patients may require 40
to 60 mg daily. In others, 10 to 15 mg daily will be adequate. Patients who are
unable to sleep if medication is taken late in the day, should take the last
dose before 6 p.m.
Ritalin SR (extended-release)
tablets:
SR tablets have a duration of action of approximately 8 hours. Therefore, they
may be used in place of Ritalin tablets when the 8 hour dosage of Ritalin SR
corresponds to the titrated 8 hour dosage of Ritalin. Ritalin SR tablets must be
swallowed whole and never be crushed or chewed.
Protect from heat and humidity.
Ritalin SR:
Each white, round, coated extended-release tablet, imprinted CIBA on one side
and 16 on the other, contains: Methylphenidate HCl 20 mg. Energy: 1.55 kJ (0.37
kcal). Also contains lactose. Alcohol-free, bisulfite-free, gluten-free,
parabens-free, sodium-free and tartrazine-free free. Bottles of 100.
