Dexmethylphenidate (Systemic)

Brand Names : Focalin, D-methylphenidate, Ritadex

Proper Use of This Medicine

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor . Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If too much is taken, it may become habit-forming.

Dexmethylphenidate may be taken with or without food or on a full or empty stomach. However, if your doctor tells you to take the medicine a certain way, take it exactly as directed.

While your are taking dexmethylphenidate, your doctor may require different tests for monitoring of your condition, such as blood pressure, heart rate, complete blood cell counts, and growth rates.

Dosing - The dose of dexmethylphenidate will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of dexmethylphenidate. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of tablets that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD):
    • Adults, teenagers, and children 6 years of age and older -
      • Patients not taking methylphenidate or taking other stimulant medicines other than methylphenidate - 2.5 milligrams (mg) two times a day, at least 4 hours apart. If needed, your doctor may increase the dose once a week by 2.5 to 5 mg a day until symptoms improve or a maximum dose is reached.
      • Patients taking methylphenidate - Your doctor will start the dose at half the dose of methylphenidate you are taking, at least 4 hours apart. If needed, your doctor will adjust your dose once a week to a maximum dose of 10 mg two times a day.
    • Children up to 6 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. Then take any remaining doses for that day at regularly spaced intervals that are at least 4 hours apart. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Keep out of the reach of children. Overdose of dexmethylphenidate is very dangerous in young children.
• Store away from direct light and heat
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.