Methylphenidate LA
RITALIN LA
Pronunciation: meth-il-FEN-i-dayt
“Write a line on Math final date”
Wide eyes → symbol for stimulant
What it isMethylphenidate LA (RITALIN LA, 2002) inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake for ADHD; approved ages: 6-17, adults.
Why this oneIts 50% IR / 50% DR beads mimic BID coverage for 8-12 h (Carlat Table 1), and the capsule is sprinklable.
What limits itAppetite loss, insomnia, blood-pressure elevation and misuse risk matter; do not crush the beads.
FDA-approved for
- ADHD (2002)
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADHD | Peds 6–12 yr | 20 mg QD (AM); 10 mg if a lower initial dose is appropriate | titrate to effect | 60 mg/day |
Titration Increase gradually in 10 mg increments at weekly intervals
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Instructions
- Once daily in the morning
- Swallow whole, or open capsule and sprinkle beads on a small amount of cool applesauce and consume immediately (do not store)
- Do not crush, chew, or divide
- Do not substitute mg-per-mg for other methylphenidate products
Available strengths
- ER cap 10, 20, 30, 40, 60 mg
- cap 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 mg
- tab 5, 10, 20 mg
- ER tab 10, 18, 20, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72 mg
- ODT 8.6, 17.3, 25.9 mg
- chew tab 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 mg
- ER susp 600 mg/120 mL
- ER susp 750 mg/150 mL
- + 5 other marketed forms not shown
Contraindications
- Concurrent treatment with an MAOI, or use of an MAOI within the preceding 14 days, because of the risk of hypertensive crisis.
Cautions
- Avoid in serious cardiac disease (sudden death risk)
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate — monitor
- Psychiatric reactions: may exacerbate psychosis or induce mania; screen before starting
- Priapism
- Peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud's phenomenon
- Long-term growth suppression in pediatric patients — monitor
- Acute angle closure glaucoma; increased intraocular pressure
- May cause or worsen motor/verbal tics and Tourette's
Adverse reactions
- headache
- insomnia
- upper abdominal pain
- decreased appetite
- anorexia
Pregnancy Published data have not identified drug-associated risk of major birth defects or miscarriage; CNS stimulants may decrease placental perfusion. Pregnancy registry available.
Lactation Methylphenidate present in human milk (infant dose 0.16–0.7% of maternal); monitor infant for agitation, insomnia, anorexia, reduced weight gain.
Cost
| Strength | #/mo | generic $/unit | CostPlus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mg | ER cap | per unit | $2.40/ea | not offered |
| 20 mg | ER cap | per unit | $1.54/ea | not offered |
| 30 mg | ER cap | per unit | $1.90/ea | not offered |
| 40 mg | ER cap | per unit | $1.65/ea | not offered |
| 60 mg | ER cap | per unit | $5.84/ea | not offered |
Other forms: Methylphenidate (RITALIN) · Methylphenidate ER chewable (QUILLICHEW ER) · Methylphenidate ER suspension (QUILLIVANT XR) · Methylphenidate ER (Relexxii) · Methylphenidate ER (OROS) (CONCERTA) · Methylphenidate XR-ODT (COTEMPLA XR-ODT) · Methylphenidate patch (DAYTRANA) · Methylphenidate ER evening-dosed (JORNAY PM) · Methylphenidate CD (METADATE CD) · Methylphenidate oral solution (METHYLIN SOLUTION)
⚠ BOXED WARNING
- Abuse, misuse and addiction
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryC
Defining liabilityHypertension, appetite/weight effects, misuse and stimulant-induced psychosis or arrhythmia.
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