Formulary
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride clinical drug profile including indications, dosing, side effects, cautions and interactions.
MedNext Academy | 3 min read
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride clinical drug profile including indications, dosing, side effects, cautions and interactions.
Indications and dose
**Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (initiated under specialist supervision) for methylphenidate hydrochloride**
- **Child 4-5 years** (By mouth using immediate-release medicines): Initially 2.5 mg twice daily, increased in steps of 2.5 mg daily if required, at weekly intervals, increased if necessary up to 1.4 mg/kg daily in 2-3 divided doses, discontinue if no response after 1 month, if effect wears off in evening (with rebound hyperactivity) a dose at bedtime may be appropriate (establish need with trial bedtime dose). Treatment may be started using a modified-release preparation.
- **Child 6-17 years** (By mouth using immediate-release medicines): Initially 5 mg 1-2 times a day, increased in steps of 5-10 mg daily if required, at weekly intervals, increased if necessary up to 60 mg daily in 2-3 divided doses, increased if necessary up to 2.1 mg/kg daily in 2-3 divided doses, the licensed maximum dose is 60 mg daily in 2-3 doses, higher dose (up to a maximum of 90 mg daily) under the direction of a specialist, discontinue if no response after 1 month, if effect wears off in evening (with rebound hyperactivity) a dose at bedtime may be appropriate (establish need with trial bedtime dose). Treatment may be started using a modified-release preparation.
**Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder for Concerta XL**
- **Child 6-17 years** (By mouth): Initially 18 mg once daily, dose to be taken in the morning, increased in steps of 18 mg every week, adjusted according to response; increased if necessary up to 2.1 mg/kg daily, licensed max. dose is 54 mg once daily, to be increased to higher dose only under direction of specialist; discontinue if no response after 1 month; maximum 108 mg per day.
**Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (under expert supervision) for Delmosart prolonged-release tablet**
- **Child 6-17 years** (By mouth): Initially 18 mg once daily, dose to be taken in the morning, then increased in steps of 18 mg every week if required, discontinue if no response after 1 month; maximum 54 mg per day.
**Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder for Equasym XL**
- **Child 6-17 years** (By mouth): Initially 10 mg once daily, dose to be taken in the morning before breakfast; increased gradually at weekly intervals if necessary; increased if necessary up to 2.1 mg/kg daily, licensed max. dose is 60 mg daily, to be increased to higher dose only under direction of specialist; discontinue if no response after 1 month; maximum 90 mg per day.
**Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder for Medikinet XL**
- **Child 6-17 years** (By mouth): Initially 10 mg once daily, dose to be taken in the morning with breakfast; adjusted at weekly intervals according to response; increased if necessary up to 2.1 mg/kg daily, licensed max. dose is 60 mg daily, to be increased to higher dose only under direction of specialist; discontinue if no response after 1 month; maximum 90 mg per day.
**Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (under expert supervision) for Xaggitin XL**
- **Child 6-17 years** (By mouth): Initially 18 mg once daily, dose to be taken in the morning, increased in steps of 18 mg every week, adjusted according to response, discontinue if no response after 1 month; maximum 54 mg per day.
Clinical governance
**Author:** MedNext Clinical Team. **Clinical reviewer:** Dr Shameer Deen, MBBS, MS, MRCS. **Sources:** BNF, Indian Pharmacopoeia, CIMS India. **Correction:** Report errors at support@mednext.academy.
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