How To Use Methylphenidate HCl

Methylphenidate comes in various dosage forms to take by mouth. Some of these dosage forms release the medicine right away while others release it slowly over a period of time. Your doctor will give you instructions on when and how to take the medicine, how many times a day to take it, and whether to take it with or without food. Follow these directions carefully to get the maximum benefit from your medication. If you are taking methylphenidate 2-3 times a day, take your last dose a few hours before bedtime (before 6 pm) so that it does not cause trouble sleeping.

Read the prescription label carefully and take methylphenidate exactly as prescribed. One dosage form of methylphenidate cannot be substituted for another. Do not change the dosage form, dose, or dosing frequency without your doctor’s approval. 

If you are taking Cotempla XR-ODT, do not push the tablet through the blister pack. Instead, peel the foil back with dry hands. Immediately place the tablet in your mouth, allow it to dissolve, and swallow it without water.

Make sure you chew the immediate-release chewable tablets thoroughly and follow it up with a full glass of water (240 mL or 8 ounces) or some other liquid. Taking this dosage form without water or other liquids can cause the tablet to swell, cause a blockage, and lead to choking. Seek immediate medical care if you develop chest pain, trouble swallowing, difficulty breathing, or vomiting after taking the chewable tablets.

Do not cut, crush, or chew the intermediate-acting and long-acting tablets and capsules. Make sure you swallow an extended release tablet or extended release capsule whole. However, if you are taking Metadate CD, Ritalin LA, Aptensio XR, or Jornay PM (long-acting capsules), you can open them and sprinkle the contents on a small amount of applesauce that is cool or at room temperature. If you are taking Adhansia XR long-acting capsules, you can open them and mix the contents with a small amount of applesauce or yogurt. You should swallow the mixture immediately without chewing and follow it up with a glass of water to ensure you swallow all of the medicine. Do not store the mixture for later use.

If you are taking Quillichew ER long-acting chewable tablets and need to break the 20 mg or 30 mg chewable tablet, do so carefully along the scored lines. Note: You cannot split or divide the 40 mg long-acting chewable tablet.

If your doctor has prescribed Quillivant XR long-acting suspension, measure the dose using the dosing dispenser provided. Make sure you know how to use the adapter and plunger correctly. Shake the bottle and mix the suspension before use. Clean the dosing dispenser after every use.

Your healthcare provider may start you on a low dose of methylphenidate and gradually increase the dose (no more often than once a week). You should notice an improvement in your attention deficit disorder symptoms after starting treatment. Tell your doctor if your symptoms worsen or have not improved after 1 month of being on methylphenidate. Your doctor may discontinue treatment from time to time to see if you still need ADHD medication.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose of methylphenidate, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and take the next dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose or extra medicine to make up for a missed one. Talk to your doctor about how late in the day you can take a missed dose (taking the medicine too close to bedtime may cause sleep difficulties).

Storage: Store methylphenidate at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in its original container, tightly closed. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Unused methylphenidate should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw methylphenidate in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded methylphenidate is through a drug take-back program or your local waste disposal company. Learn more about proper medication disposal. 

NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on methylphenidate. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about methylphenidate, talk to your doctor for medical advice.

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