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RITALIN®
(methylphenidate hydrochloride) USP Tablets
RITALIN-SR®
(methylphenidate hydrochloride) USP Sustained-Release Tablets
Ritalin hydrochloride, methylphenidate hydrochloride USP, is a mild central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, available as tablets of 5, 10, and 20 mg for oral administration; Ritalin-SR is available as sustained-release tablets of 20 mg for oral administration. Methylphenidate hydrochloride is methyl α-phenyl-2-piperidineacetate hydrochloride, and its structural formula is
 |
Methylphenidate hydrochloride USP is a white, odorless, fine crystalline powder. Its solutions are acid to litmus. It is freely soluble in water and in methanol, soluble in alcohol, and slightly soluble in chloroform and in acetone. Its molecular weight is 269.77.
Inactive Ingredients. Ritalin tablets: D&C Yellow No. 10 (5-mg and 20-mg tablets), FD&C Green No. 3 (10-mg tablets), lactose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, starch (5-mg and 10-mg tablets), sucrose, talc, and tragacanth (20-mg tablets).
Ritalin-SR tablets: Cellulose compounds, cetostearyl alcohol, lactose, magnesium stearate, mineral oil, povidone, titanium dioxide, and zein.
Ritalin and Ritalin-SR are indicated for the treatment of:
Prior to treating pediatric patients and adults with central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, including Ritalin or Ritalin- SR, assess for the presence of cardiac disease (i.e., perform a careful history including family history of sudden death or ventricular arrhythmia, and physical examination) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Assess the risk of abuse prior to prescribing, and monitor for signs of abuse and dependence while on therapy. Maintain careful prescription records, educate patients about abuse, monitor for signs of abuse and overdose, and periodically reevaluate the need for Ritalin or Ritalin-SR use [see BOX WARNING, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS , Drug Abuse And Dependence].
Pediatric Patients 6 years and Older
Start with 5 mg orally twice daily (before breakfast and lunch). Increase dosage gradually, in increments of 5 to 10 mg weekly. Daily dosage above 60 mg is not recommended.
Adults
Average dosage is 20 to 30 mg daily. Administer orally in divided doses 2 or 3 times daily, preferably 30 to 45 minutes before meals. Maximum total daily dosage is 60 mg. 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 tablets have a duration of action of approximately 8 hours. Therefore, Ritalin-SR tablets 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 crushed or chewed.
Pharmacological treatment of ADHD may be needed for extended periods. Periodically re-evaluate the long-term use of Ritalin and Ritalin-SR, and adjust dosage as needed.
If paradoxical worsening of symptoms or other adverse reactions occur, reduce the dosage, or, if necessary, discontinue Ritalin or Ritalin-SR. If improvement is not observed after appropriate dosage adjustment over a one-month period, the drug should be discontinued.
5 mg tablets (NDC 0078-0439-05) round, yellow, (imprinted CIBA 7) supplied in bottles of 100
10 mg tablets (NDC 0078-0440-05) round, pale green, scored, (imprinted CIBA 3) supplied in bottles of 100
20 mg tablets (NDC 0078-0441-05) round, pale yellow, scored, (imprinted CIBA 34) supplied in bottles of 100
Store at 25°C (77°F), excursions permitted 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). [See USP controlled room temperature] Protect from light.
Dispense in tight, light-resistant container (USP).
20 mg SR extended-release tablets (NDC 0078-0442-05), round, white, coated, (imprinted CIBA 16) supplied in bottles of 100
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), excursions permitted 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). [See USP controlled room temperature]
Protect from moisture.
Dispense in tight, light-resistant container (USP).
Comply with local laws and regulations on drug disposal of CNS stimulants. Dispose of remaining, unused, or expired Ritalin and Ritalin-SR by a medicine takeback program or by an authorized collector registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration. If no take-back program or authorized collector is available, mix Ritalin or Ritalin-SR with an undesirable, nontoxic substance to make it less appealing to children and pets. Place the mixture in a container such as a sealed plastic bag and discard Ritalin or Ritalin-SR in the household trash.
Distributed by: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation East Hanover, New Jersey 07936. Revised: Jan 2019
The following are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling:
The following adverse reactions associated with the use of all Ritalin, Ritalin-SR, and other methylphenidate products were identified in clinical trials, spontaneous reports, and literature. Because these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to estimate their frequency reliably or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Infections and Infestations: nasopharyngitis
Blood and the Lymphatic System Disorders: leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia
Immune System Disorders: hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema and anaphylaxis
Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: decreased appetite, reduced weight gain, and suppression of growth during prolonged use in pediatric patients
Psychiatric Disorders: insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, agitation, psychosis (sometimes with visual and tactile hallucinations), depressed mood
Nervous System Disorders: headache, dizziness, tremor, dyskinesia including choreoatheetoid movements, drowsiness, convulsions, cerebrovascular disorders (including vasculitis, cerebral hemorrhages and cerebrovascular accidents), serotonin syndrome in combination with serotonergic drugs
Eye Disorders: blurred vision, difficulties in visual accommodation
Cardiac Disorders: tachycardia, palpitations, increased blood pressure, arrhythmias, angina pectoris
Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: cough
Gastrointestinal Disorders: dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dyspepsia
Hepatobiliary Disorders: abnormal liver function, ranging from transaminase elevation to severe hepatic injury
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: hyperhidrosis, pruritus, urticaria, exfoliative dermatitis, scalp hair loss, erythema multiforme rash, thrombocytopenic purpura
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: arthralgia, muscle cramps, rhabdomyolysis
Investigations: weight loss (adult ADHD patients)
The list below shows adverse reactions not listed for Ritalin and Ritalin-SR that have been reported with other methylphenidate-containing products.
Blood and Lymphatic Disorders: pancytopenia
Immune System Disorders: hypersensitivity reactions such as auricular swelling, bullous conditions, eruptions, exanthemas
Psychiatric Disorders: affect lability, mania, disorientation and libido
Nervous System Disorders: migraine
Eye Disorders: diplopia, mydriasis
Cardiac Disorders: sudden cardiac death, myocardial infarction, bradycardia, extrasystole
Vascular Disorders: peripheral coldness, Raynaud's phenomenon
Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: pharyngolaryngeal pain, dyspnea
Gastrointestinal Disorders: diarrhea, constipation
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: angioneurotic edema, erythema, fixed drug eruption
Musculoskeletal, Connective Tissue and bone Disorders: myalgia, muscle twitching
Renal and Urinary Disorders: hematuria
Reproductive System and Breast Disorders: gynecomastia
General Disorders: fatigue, hyperpyrexia
Urogenital Disorders: priapism
Table 1 presents clinically important drug interactions with Ritalin and Ritalin-SR
Table 1: Clinically Important Drug Interactions with Ritalin and Ritalin-SR
| Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) | |
| Clinical Impact | Concomitant use of MAOIs and CNS stimulants, including Ritalin and Ritalin-SR can cause hypertensive crisis. Potential outcomes include death, stroke, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, ophthalmological complications, eclampsia, pulmonary edema, and renal failure [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. |
| Intervention | Concomitant use of Ritalin or Ritalin-SR with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days after discontinuing MAOI treatment is contraindicated. |
| Examples | selegiline, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, linezolid, methylene blue |
| Antihypertensive Drugs | |
| Clinical Impact | Ritalin and Ritalin-SR may decrease the effectiveness of drugs used to treat hypertension [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. |
| Intervention | Monitor blood pressure and adjust the dosage of the antihypertensive drug as needed. |
| Examples | Potassium-sparing and thiazide diuretics, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), beta blockers, centrally acting alpha-2 receptor agonists |
| Halogenated Anesthetics | |
| Clinical Impact | Concomitant use of halogenated anesthestics and Ritalin or Ritalin-SR may increase the risk of sudden blood pressure and heart rate increase during surgery. |
| Intervention | Avoid use of Ritalin or Ritalin-SR in patients being treated with anesthetics on the day of surgery. |
| Examples | halothane, isoflurane, enflurane, desflurane, sevoflurane |
Ritalin and Ritalin-SR contain methylphenidate hydrochloride, a Schedule II controlled substance.
CNS stimulants, including Ritalin and Ritalin-SR, have a high potential for abuse. Abuse is characterized by impaired control over drug use despite harm, and craving.
Signs and symptoms of CNS stimulant abuse include increased heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and/or sweating, dilated pupils, hyperactivity, restlessness, insomnia, decreased appetite, loss of coordination, tremors, flushed skin, vomiting, and/or abdominal pain. Anxiety, psychosis, hostility, aggression, and suicidal or homicidal ideation have also been observed. Abusers of CNS stimulants may chew, snort, inject, or use other unapproved routes of administration which may result in overdose and death [see OVERDOSE].
To reduce the abuse of CNS stimulants including Ritalin and Ritalin-SR, assess the risk of abuse prior to prescribing. After prescribing, keep careful prescription records, educate patients and their families about abuse and on proper storage and disposal of CNS stimulants [see HOW SUPPLIED], monitor for signs of abuse while on therapy, and reevaluate the need for Ritalin and Ritalin-SR use.
Tolerance
Tolerance (a state of adaptation in which exposure to a drug results in a reduction of the drug’s desired and/or undesired effects over time) can occur during chronic therapy with CNS stimulants, including Ritalin and Ritalin-SR.
Dependence
Physical dependence (which is manifested by a withdrawal syndrome produced by abrupt cessation, rapid dose reduction, or administration of an antagonist) may occur in patients treated with CNS stimulants including Ritalin and Ritalin-SR. Withdrawal symptoms after abrupt cessation following prolonged high-dosage administration of CNS stimulants include dysphoric mood; fatigue; vivid, unpleasant dreams; insomnia or hypersomnia; increased appetite; and psychomotor retardation or agitation.
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
CNS stimulants, including Ritalin and Ritalin-SR, other methylphenidate-containing products, and amphetamines, have a high potential for abuse and dependence. Assess the risk of abuse prior to prescribing, and monitor for signs of abuse and dependence while on therapy [see BOX WARNING , Drug Abuse And Dependence].
Sudden death, stroke and myocardial infarction have been reported in adults with CNS stimulant treatment at recommended doses. Sudden death has been reported in pediatric patients with structural cardiac abnormalities and other serious heart problems taking CNS stimulants at recommended doses for ADHD. Avoid use in patients with known serious structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious heart rhythm abnormalities, coronary artery disease, and other serious heart problems. Further evaluate patients who develop exertional chest pain, unexplained syncope, or arrhythmias during Ritalin and Ritalin-SR treatment.
CNS stimulants cause an increase in blood pressure (mean increase approximately 2 to 4 mmHg) and heart rate (mean increase approximately 3 to 6 bpm). Individuals may have larger increases. Monitor all patients for hypertension and tachycardia.
CNS stimulants may exacerbate symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder in patients with a preexisting psychotic disorder.
CNS stimulants may induce a manic or mixed mood episode in patients. Prior to initiating treatment, screen patients for risk factors for developing a manic episode (e.g. comorbid or history of depressive symptoms or a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, or depression).
CNS stimulants, at recommended doses, may cause psychotic or manic symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusional thinking, or mania) in patients without a prior history of psychotic illness or mania. If such symptoms occur, consider discontinuing Ritalin and Ritalin-SR. In a pooled analysis of multiple short-term, placebo-controlled studies of CNS stimulants, psychotic or manic symptoms occurred in approximately 0.1% of CNS stimulant-treated patients, compared to 0 in placebo-treated patients.
Prolonged and painful erections, sometimes requiring surgical intervention, have been reported with methylphenidate products in both pediatric and adult patients. Priapism was not reported with drug initiation but developed after some time on the drug, often subsequent to an increase in dose. Priapism has also appeared during a period of drug withdrawal (drug holidays or during discontinuation). Patients who develop abnormally sustained or frequent and painful erections should seek immediate medical attention.
CNS stimulants, including Ritalin and Ritalin-SR, used to treat ADHD are associated with peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon. Signs and symptoms are usually intermittent and mild; however, very rare sequelae include digital ulceration and/or soft tissue breakdown. Effects of peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon, were observed in postmarketing reports at different times and at therapeutic doses in all age groups throughout the course of treatment. Signs and symptoms generally improve after reduction in dose or discontinuation of drug. Careful observation for digital changes is necessary during treatment with ADHD stimulants. Further clinical evaluation (e.g., rheumatology referral) may be appropriate for certain patients.
CNS stimulants have been associated with weight loss and slowing of growth rate in pediatric patients.
Careful follow-up of weight and height in pediatric patients ages 7 to 10 years who were randomized to either methylphenidate or non-medication treatment groups over 14 months, as well as in naturalistic subgroups of newly methylphenidate-treated and non-medication treated patients over 36 months (to the ages of 10 to 13 years), suggests that consistently medicated pediatric patients (i.e., treatment for 7 days per week throughout the year) have a temporary slowing in growth rate (on average, a total of about 2 cm less growth in height and 2.7 kg less growth in weight over 3 years), without evidence of growth rebound during this period of development.
Closely monitor growth (weight and height) in pediatric patients treated with CNS stimulants including Ritalin and Ritalin-SR. Patients who are not growing or gaining height or weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted.
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Advise patients that Ritalin and Ritalin-SR are controlled substances, and they can be abused and lead to dependence. Instruct patients that they should not give Ritalin or Ritalin-SR to anyone else. Advise patients to store Ritalin and Ritalin- SR in a safe place, preferably locked, to prevent abuse. Advise patients to comply with laws and regulations on drug disposal. Advise patients to dispose of remaining, unused, or expired Ritalin and Ritalin-SR by a medicine take-back program if available [see BOX WARNING , WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS , Drug Abuse And Dependence , HOW SUPPLIED].
Advise patients that there is a potential serious cardiovascular risk including sudden death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and hypertension with Ritalin and Ritalin-SR use. Instruct patients to contact a healthcare provider immediately if they develop symptoms such as exertional chest pain, unexplained syncope, or other symptoms suggestive of cardiac disease [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Instruct patients that Ritalin and Ritalin-SR can cause elevations of their blood pressure and pulse rate [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients that Ritalin and Ritalin-SR, at recommended doses, can cause psychotic or manic symptoms, even in patients without prior history of psychotic symptoms or mania [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients of the possibility of painful or prolonged penile erections (priapism). Instruct them to seek immediate medical attention in the event of priapism [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Instruct patients about the risk of peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s Phenomenon, and associated signs and symptoms: fingers or toes may feel numb, cool, painful, and/or may change color from pale, to blue, to red. Instruct patients to report to their physician any new numbness, pain, skin color change, or sensitivity to temperature in fingers or toes.
Instruct patients to call their physician immediately with any signs of unexplained wounds appearing on fingers or toes while taking Ritalin and Ritalin-SR. Further clinical evaluation (e.g., rheumatology referral) may be appropriate for certain patients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients that Ritalin and Ritalin-SR may cause slowing of growth and weight loss [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
In a lifetime carcinogenicity study carried out in B6C3F1 mice, methylphenidate caused an increase in hepatocellular adenomas, and in males only, an increase in hepatoblastomas at a daily dose of approximately 60 mg/kg/day. This dose is approximately 2 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) in children on mg/m2 basis. Hepatoblastoma is a relatively rare rodent malignant tumor type. There was no increase in total malignant hepatic tumors. The mouse strain used is sensitive to the development of hepatic tumors. and the significance of these results to humans is unknown.
Methylphenidate did not cause any increase in tumors in a lifetime carcinogenicity study carried out in F344 rats; the highest dose used was approximately 45 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 4 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis.
In a 24-week carcinogenicity study in the transgenic mouse strain p53+/-, which is sensitive to genotoxic carcinogens, there was no evidence of carcinogenicity. Male and female mice were fed diets containing the same concentration of methylphenidate as in the lifetime carcinogenicity study; the high-dose groups were exposed to 60 to 74 mg/kg/day of methylphenidate.
Methylphenidate was not mutagenic in the in vitro Ames reverse mutation assay, in the in vitro mouse lymphoma cell forward mutation assay, or in the in vitro chromosomal aberration assay using human lymphocytes. Sister chromatid exchanges and chromosome aberrations were increased, indicative of a weak clastogenic response, in an in vitro assay in cultured Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells. Methylphenidate was negative in vivo in males and females in the mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay.
No human data on the effect of methylphenidate on fertility are available. Methylphenidate did not impair fertility in male or female mice that were fed diets containing the drug in an 18-week continuous breeding study. The study was conducted at doses up to 160 mg/kg/day, approximately 10-fold the maximum recommended dose in adolescents on a mg/m2 basis.
In studies conducted in rats and rabbits, methylphenidate was administered orally at doses of up to 75 and 200 mg/kg/day, respectively, during the period of organogenesis. Teratogenic effects (increased incidence of fetal spina bifida) were observed in rabbits at the highest dose, which is approximately 40 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) on a mg/m2 basis. The no effect level for embryo-fetal development in rabbits was 60 mg/kg/day (11 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis). There was no evidence of specific teratogenic activity in rats, although increased incidences of fetal skeletal variations were seen at the highest dose level (7 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis), which was also maternally toxic. The no effect level for embryo-fetal development in rats was 25 mg/kg/day (2 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis). When methylphenidate was administered to rats throughout pregnancy and lactation at doses of up to 45 mg/kg/day, offspring body weight gain was decreased at the highest dose (4 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis), but no other effects on postnatal development were observed. The no effect level for preand postnatal development in rats was 15 mg/kg/day (equal to the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis).
Adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have not been conducted. Ritalin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
It is not known whether methyphenidate is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised if Ritalin is administered to a nursing woman.
The safety and effectiveness of Ritalin and Ritalin-SR for the treatment of ADHD have been established in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years.
The safety and effectiveness of Ritalin and Ritalin-SR in pediatric patients less than 6 years have not been established.
The long-term efficacy of Ritalin and Ritalin-SR in pediatric patients has not been established.
Growth should be monitored during treatment with stimulants, including Ritalin and Ritalin-SR. Pediatric patients who are not growing or gaining weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
In a study conducted in young rats, methylphenidate was administered orally at doses of up to 100 mg/kg/day for 9 weeks, starting early in the postnatal period (postnatal Day 7) and continuing through sexual maturity (postnatal Week 10). When these animals were tested as adults (postnatal Weeks 13 to 14), decreased spontaneous locomotor activity was observed in males and females previously treated with 50 mg/kg/day (approximately 6 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis) or greater, and a deficit in the acquisition of a specific learning task was seen in females exposed to the highest dose (12 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis). The no effect level for juvenile neurobehavioral development in rats was 5 mg/kg/day (half the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis). The clinical significance of the long-term behavioral effects observed in rats is unknown.
Ritalin has not been studied in the geriatric population.
Signs and symptoms of acute overdosage, resulting principally from overstimulation of the central nervous system and from excessive sympathomimetic effects, may include the following: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, anxiety, agitation, tremors, hyperreflexia, muscle twitching, convulsions (which may be followed by coma), euphoria, confusion, hallucinations, delirium, sweating, flushing, headache, hyperpyrexia, tachycardia, palpitations, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, hypotension, tachypnea, mydriasis, dryness of mucous membranes, and rhabdomyolysis.
Consult with a Certified Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) for the latest recommendations.
Methylphenidate hydrochloride is a CNS stimulant. The mode of therapeutic action in ADHD and narcolepsy is not known.
Methylphenidate is a racemic mixture comprised of the d- and l-threo enantiomers. The d-threo enantiomer is more pharmacologically active than the l-threo enantiomer. Methylphenidate is thought to block the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine into the presynaptic neuron and increase the release of these monoamines into the extraneuronal space.
A formal QT study has not been conducted in patients taking Ritalin and Ritalin-SR.
The effect of dexmethylphenidate, the pharmacologically active d-enantiomer of Ritalin, on the QT interval was evaluated in a double-blind, placebo- and open-label active (moxifloxacin)-controlled study following single doses of dexmethlyphenidate XR 40 mg (maximum recommended adult total daily dosage) in 75 healthy volunteers. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) were collected up to 12 hours postdose. Frederica’s method for heart rate correction was employed to derive the corrected QT interval (QTcF). The maximum mean prolongation of QTcF intervals was less than 5 ms, and the upper limit of the 90% confidence interval was below 10 ms for all time-matched comparisons versus placebo. This was below the threshold of clinical concern and there was no evident exposure response relationship.
Ritalin in the SR tablets is more slowly but as extensively absorbed as in the regular tablets. Relative bioavailability of the SR tablet compared to the Ritalin tablet, measured by the urinary excretion of Ritalin major metabolite (α-phenyl-2-piperidine acetic acid) was 105% (49% to 168%) in children and 101% (85% to 152%) in adults. The time to peak rate in children was 1.9 hours (0.3 to 4.4 hours) for the Ritalin tablets and 4.7 hours (1.3 to 8.2 hours) for the Ritalin- SR tablets. An average of 67% of SR tablet dose was excreted in children as compared to 86% in adults.
Effect of Food
After a high-fat meal, both area under the curve (AUC) (by 25 %) and Cmax (by 27 %) are higher. Time to Cmax (Tmax) is faster after a high-fat meal (median Tmax: 2.5 hours) as compared to without food (median Tmax: 3 hours).
Binding to plasma proteins is low (10% to 33%). The volume of distribution was 2.65 ± 1.11 L/kg for d- methylphenidate and 1.80 ± 0.91 L/kg for l- methylphenidate.
The systemic clearance is 0.40 ± 0.12 L/h/kg for d-methylphenidate and 0.73 ± 0.28 L/h/kg for l-methylphenidate.
Metabolism
Methylphenidate is metabolized primarily by de-esterification to alpha-phenyl-piperidine acetic acid (ritalinic acid), which has little or no pharmacologic activity.
Excretion
After oral administration, 78% to 97% of the dose is excreted in the urine and 1% to 3% in feces in the form of metabolites within 48 to 96 hours. Most of the dose is excreted in the urine as alpha-phenyl-2-piperidine acetic acid (60% to 86%). The cumulative urinary excretion of alpha-phenyl-2-piperidine acetic acid are not significantly different for Ritalin-SR tablets.
In a clinical study involving adult subjects who received Ritalin-SR, plasma concentrations of Ritalin’s major metabolite appeared to be greater in females than in males. No gender differences were observed for Ritalin plasma concentration in the same subjects.
There is insufficient experience with the use of Ritalin and Ritalin-SR to detect ethnic variations in pharmacokinetics.
Ritalin has not been studied in renally-impaired patients. Renal impairment is expected to have minimal effect on the pharmacokinetics of methylphenidate since less than 1% of a radiolabeled dose is excreted in the urine as unchanged compound, and the major metabolite (ritalinic acid), has little or no pharmacologic activity.
Ritalin has not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment. Hepatic impairment is expected to have minimal effect on the pharmacokinetics of methylphenidate since it is metabolized primarily to ritalinic acid by nonmicrosomal hydrolytic esterases that are widely distributed throughout the body.
RITALIN®
(rit-ah-lin)
(methylphenidate hydrochloride)
tablets
What is the most important information I should know about RITALIN?
RITALIN is a federal controlled substance (CII) because it can be abused or lead to dependence. Keep RITALIN in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse. Selling or giving away RITALIN may harm others and is against the law.
Tell your doctor if you or your child have abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines or street drugs.
The following have been reported with use of methylphenidate hydrochloride and other stimulant medicines.
Tell your doctor if you or your child have any heart problems, heart defects, high blood pressure, or a family history of these problems.
Your doctor should check you or your child carefully for heart problems before starting RITALIN.
Your doctor should check your or your child’s blood pressure and heart rate regularly during treatment with RITALIN.
Call your doctor right away if you or your child has any signs of heart problems such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting while taking RITALIN.
All Patients
Tell your doctor about any mental problems you or your child have, or about a family history of suicide, bipolar illness, or depression.
Call your doctor right away if you or your child have any new or worsening mental symptoms or problems while taking RITALIN, especially seeing or hearing things that are not real, believing things that are not real, or are suspicious.
What is RITALIN?
It is not known if RITALIN is safe and effective in children under 6 years of age.
Who should not take RITALIN?
RITALIN should not be taken if you or your child:
RITALIN may not be right for you or your child. Before starting RITALIN tell your or your child’s doctor about all health conditions (or a family history of) including:
Tell your doctor about all of the medicines that you or your child takes including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. RITALIN and some medicines may interact with each other and cause serious side effects. Sometimes the doses of other medicines will need to be adjusted while taking RITALIN.
Your doctor will decide whether RITALIN can be taken with other medicines.
Especially tell your doctor if you or your child takes:
Know the medicines that you or your child takes. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show your doctor and pharmacist.
Do not start any new medicine while taking RITALIN without talking to your doctor first.
How should RITALIN be taken?
What are the possible side effects of RITALIN?
RITALIN may cause serious side effects, including:
What are possible side effects of RITALIN?
Tell your doctor if you or your child have, numbness, pain, skin color change, or sensitivity to temperature in the fingers or toes.
Common side effects include:
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store RITALIN?
General information about the safe and effective use of RITALIN.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for information about RITALIN that is written for healthcare professionals. Do not use RITALIN for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give RITALIN to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them and it is against the law.
What are the ingredients in RITALIN?
Active ingredient: methylphenidate HCl
Inactive ingredients: D&C Yellow No.10 (5-mg and 20-mg tablets), FD&C Green No.3 (10-mg tablets), lactose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, starch (5-mg and 10-mg tablets), sucrose, talc, and tragacanth (20-mg tablets)
MEDICATION GUIDE
RITALIN-SR®
(rit-ah-lin)
(methylphenidate hydrochloride)
extended-release tablets
What is the most important information I should know about RITALIN-SR?
RITALIN-SR is a federal controlled substance (CII) because it can be abused or lead to dependence. Keep RITALINSR in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse. Selling or giving away RITALIN-SR may harm others, and is against the law. Tell your doctor if you or your child have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines or street drugs.
The following have been reported with use of methylphenidate hydrochloride and other stimulant medicines.
Tell your doctor if you or your child have any heart problems, heart defects, high blood pressure, or a family history of these problems.
Your doctor should check you or your child carefully for heart problems before starting RITALIN-SR.
Your doctor should check your or your child’s blood pressure and heart rate regularly during treatment with RITALIN-SR.
Call your doctor right away if you or your child has any signs of heart problems such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting while taking RITALIN-SR.
All Patients
Tell your doctor about any mental problems you or your child have, or about a family history of suicide, bipolar illness, or depression.
Call your doctor right away if you or your child have any new or worsening mental symptoms or problems while taking RITALIN-SR, especially seeing or hearing things that are not real, believing things that are not real, or are suspicious.
What is RITALIN-SR?
RITALIN-SR is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant prescription medicine. It is used for the treatment of Attention- Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). RITALIN-SR may help increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in patients with ADHD.
RITALIN-SR should be used as a part of a total treatment program for ADHD that may include counseling or other therapies.
RITALIN-SR is also used in the treatment of a sleep disorder called narcolepsy
It is not known if RITALIN-SR is safe and effective in children under 6 years of age.
Who should not take RITALIN-SR?
RITALIN-SR should not be taken if you or your child:
RITALIN-SR may not be right for you or your child. Before starting RITALIN-SR tell your or your child’s doctor about all health conditions (or a family history of) including:
Tell your doctor about all of the medicines that you or your child takes including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. RITALIN-SR and some medicines may interact with each other and cause serious side effects. Sometimes the doses of other medicines will need to be adjusted while taking RITALIN-SR.
Your doctor will decide whether RITALIN-SR can be taken with other medicines.
Especially tell your doctor if you or your child takes:
Know the medicines that you or your child takes. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show your doctor and pharmacist.
Do not start any new medicine while taking RITALIN-SR without talking to your doctor first.
How should RITALIN-SR be taken?
What are the possible side effects of RITALIN-SR?
RITALIN-SR may cause serious side effects, including:
What are possible side effects of RITALIN-SR?
Tell your doctor if you or your child have numbness, pain, skin color change, or sensitivity to temperature in the fingers or toes.
Common side effects include:
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store RITALIN-SR?
General information about the safe and effective use of RITALIN-SR.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for information about RITALIN-SR that is written for healthcare professionals. Do not use RITALIN-SR for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give RITALIN-SR to other people, even if they have the same symptoms. It may harm them and it is against the law.
What are the ingredients in RITALIN-SR?
Active ingredient: methylphenidate HCl, USP
Inactive ingredients: Cetostearyl alcohol, lactose, magnesium stearate, mineral oil, povidone, titanium dioxide, and zein
This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
