Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablet
FDA Label NDC 0115-1801

Methylphenidate hydrochloride has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including methylphenidate hydrochloride, can result in overdose and death [see Overdosage (10)], and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection.

Before prescribing methylphenidate hydrochloride, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Educate patients and their families about these risks, proper storage of the drug, and proper disposal of any unused drug. Throughout methylphenidate hydrochloride treatment, reassess each patient’s risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2)].

 Methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the treatment of:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) in pediatric patients 6 years and older and adults
• Narcolepsy

Prior to treating patients with methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets, assess:

• for the presence of cardiac disease (i.e., perform a careful history, family history of sudden death or ventricular arrhythmia, and physical exam) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
• the family history and clinically evaluate patients for motor or verbal tics or Tourette’s syndrome before initiating methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)].

Pediatric Patients 6 years and Older: Start with 5 mg orally twice daily (before breakfast and lunch). Increase dosage gradually, in increments of 5 mg to 10 mg weekly. Daily dosage above 60 mg is not recommended.

Adults: Average dosage is 20 mg 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.

If paradoxical worsening of symptoms or other adverse reactions occur, reduce the dosage, or, if necessary, discontinue methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets. If improvement is not observed after appropriate dosage adjustment over a one-month period, the drug should be discontinued.

• Methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets USP, 5 mg are light orange to orange, round compressed tablets, debossed cor on one side and 237 on the other side.
• Methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets USP, 10 mg are light orange to orange, round compressed tablets, debossed cor above bisect and 238 below the bisect on one side and plain on the other side.
• Methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets USP, 20 mg are light orange to orange, round compressed tablets, debossed cor over 239 on one side and bisect on the other side.

• Hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or other components of methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets. Hypersensitivity reactions, such as angioedema and anaphylactic reactions, have been reported in patients treated with methylphenidate [see Adverse Reactions (6)].
• Concomitant treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or within 14 days following discontinuation of treatment with an MAOI, because of the risk of hypertensive crises [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].

Methylphenidate hydrochloride have a high potential for abuse and misuse. The use of methylphenidate hydrochloride exposes individuals to the risks of abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Methylphenidate hydrochloride can be diverted for non-medical use into illicit channels or distribution [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2)]. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including methylphenidate hydrochloride, can result in overdose and death [see Overdosage (10)], and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection.

Before prescribing methylphenidate hydrochloride, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Educate patients and their families about these risks and proper disposal of any unused drug. Advise patients to store methylphenidate hydrochloride in a safe place, preferably locked, and instruct patients to not give methylphenidate hydrochloride to anyone else. Throughout methylphenidate hydrochloride treatment, reassess each patient’s risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction.

Sudden death has been reported in patients with structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious cardiac disease who are treated with CNS stimulants at the recommended ADHD dosage.

Avoid methylphenidate hydrochloride use in patients with known serious structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious cardiac arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, or other serious cardiac disease.

CNS stimulants cause an increase in blood pressure (mean increase approximately 2 mmHg to 4 mmHg) and heart rate (mean increase approximately 3 bpm to 6 bpm). Some patients may have larger increases.

Monitor all methylphenidate hydrochloride-treated patients for hypertension and tachycardia.

Exacerbation of Pre-existing Psychosis

CNS stimulants may exacerbate symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder in patients with a pre-existing psychotic disorder.

Induction of a Manic Episode in Patients with Bipolar Disorder

CNS stimulants may induce a manic or mixed mood episode in patients. Prior to initiating methylphenidate hydrochloride 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).

New Psychotic or Manic Symptoms

CNS stimulants, at the recommended dosage, may cause psychotic or manic symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusional thinking, or mania) in patients without a prior history of psychotic illness or mania. 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% of placebo-treated patients. If such symptoms occur, consider discontinuing methylphenidate hydrochloride.

Prolonged and painful erections, sometimes requiring surgical intervention, have been reported with methylphenidate use in both adult and pediatric male patients. Although priapism was not reported with methylphenidate initiation, it developed after some time on methylphenidate, often subsequent to an increase in dosage. Priapism has also occurred during methylphenidate withdrawal (drug holidays or during discontinuation).

Methylphenidate hydrochloride-treated patients who develop abnormally sustained or frequent and painful erections should seek immediate medical attention.

CNS stimulants, including methylphenidate hydrochloride, used to treat ADHD are associated with peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon. Signs and symptoms are usually intermittent and mild; however, sequelae have included digital ulceration and/or soft tissue breakdown. Effects of peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon, were observed in post-marketing reports and at the therapeutic dosage of CNS stimulants in all age groups throughout the course of treatment. Signs and symptoms generally improved after dosage reduction or discontinuation of the CNS stimulant.

Careful observation for digital changes is necessary during methylphenidate hydrochloride treatment. Further clinical evaluation (e.g., rheumatology referral) may be appropriate for methylphenidate hydrochloride-treated patients who develop signs or symptoms of peripheral vasculopathy.

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 pediatric patients who received methylphenidate for 7 days per week throughout the year had 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 development period.

Closely monitor growth (weight and height) in methylphenidate hydrochloride-treated pediatric patients. Pediatric patients who are not growing or gaining height or weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted.

There have been reports of angle closure glaucoma associated with methylphenidate treatment.

Although the mechanism is not clear, methylphenidate hydrochloride-treated patients considered at risk for acute angle closure glaucoma (e.g., patients with significant hyperopia) should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist.

There have been reports of an elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) associated with methylphenidate treatment [see Adverse Reactions (6)].

Prescribe methylphenidate hydrochloride to patients with open-angle glaucoma or abnormally increased IOP only if the benefit of treatment is considered to outweigh the risk. Closely monitor methylphenidate hydrochloride-treated patients with a history of abnormally increased IOP or open angle glaucoma.

CNS stimulants, including methylphenidate, have been associated with the onset or exacerbation of motor and verbal tics. Worsening of Tourette’s syndrome has also been reported [see Adverse Reactions (6)].

Before initiating methylphenidate hydrochloride, assess the family history and clinically evaluate patients for tics or Tourette’s syndrome. Regularly monitor methylphenidate hydrochloride-treated patients for the emergence or worsening of tics or Tourette’s syndrome, and discontinue treatment if clinically appropriate.

The following are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling:

• Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2, 9.3)]
• Known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or other ingredients of methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets [see Contraindications (4)]
• Hypertensive crisis with Concomitant Use of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors [see Contraindications (4), Drug Interactions (7.1)]
• Risks to Patients with Serious Cardiac Disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
• Increased Blood Pressure and Heart Rate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
• Psychiatric Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
• Priapism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
• Peripheral Vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s Phenomenon [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
• Long-term Suppression of Growth in Pediatric Patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
• Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]
• Increased Intraocular Pressure and Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]
• Motor and Verbal Tics, and Worsening of Tourette’s Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)]

The following adverse reactions associated with the use of methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets 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.

Adverse Reactions Reported with Methylphenidate Hydrochloride

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, depression

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, trismus

Investigations: weight loss (adult ADHD patients)

Vascular Disorders: peripheral coldness, Raynaud's phenomenon

Additional Adverse Reactions Reported with Other Methylphenidate-Containing Products

The list below shows adverse reactions not listed for methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets, 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 changes

Nervous System Disorders: migraine, motor and verbal tics

Eye Disorders: diplopia, increased intraocular pressure, mydriasis

Cardiac Disorders: sudden cardiac death, myocardial infarction, bradycardia, extrasystole

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 methylphenidate hydrochloride.

Table 1: Clinically Important Drug Interactions with Methylphenidate Hydrochloride

Pregnancy Exposure Registry

There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to ADHD medications, including methylphenidate hydrochloride, during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for ADHD Medications at 1-866-961-2388 or visiting https://womensmentalhealth.org/adhd-medications/.

Risk Summary

Published studies and post-marketing reports on methylphenidate use during pregnancy have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There may be risks to the fetus associated with the use of CNS stimulants use during pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations).

No effects on morphological development were observed in embryo-fetal development studies with oral administration of methylphenidate to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at doses up to 10 and 15 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 60 mg/day given to adolescents on a mg/m² basis. However, spina bifida was observed in rabbits at a dose 52 times the MRHD given to adolescents. A decrease in pup body weight was observed in a pre- and post-natal development study with oral administration of methylphenidate to rats throughout pregnancy and lactation at doses 6 times the MRHD given to adolescents (see Data).

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.

Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions

CNS stimulants, such as methylphenidate hydrochloride, can cause vasoconstriction and thereby decrease placental perfusion. No fetal and/or neonatal adverse reactions have been reported with the use of therapeutic doses of methylphenidate during pregnancy; however, premature delivery and low birth weight infants have been reported in amphetamine-dependent mothers.

Animal Data

In embryo-fetal development 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. Malformations (increased incidence of fetal spina bifida) were observed in rabbits at the highest dose, which is approximately 52 times the MRHD of 60 mg/day given to adolescents on a mg/m² basis. The no effect level for embryo-fetal development in rabbits was 60 mg/kg/day (15 times the MRHD given to adolescents on a mg/m² basis). There was no evidence of morphological development effects in rats, although increased incidences of fetal skeletal variations were seen at the highest dose level (10 times the MRHD of 60 mg/day given to adolescents 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 (3 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 (6 times the MRHD of 60 mg/day given to adolescents on a mg/m² basis), but no other effects on postnatal development were observed. The no effect level for pre- and postnatal development in rats was 15 mg/kg/day (approximately 2 times the MRHD given to adolescents on a mg/m² basis).

Risk Summary

Limited published literature, based on milk sampling from seven mothers, reports that methylphenidate is present in human milk, which resulted in infant doses of 0.16% to 0.7% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage and a milk/plasma ratio ranging between 1.1 and 2.7. There are no reports of adverse effects on the breastfed infant and no effects on milk production. Long-term neurodevelopmental effects on infants from stimulant exposure are unknown. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for methylphenidate hydrochloride and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from methylphenidate hydrochloride or from the underlying maternal condition.

Clinical Considerations

Monitor breastfeeding infants for adverse reactions, such as agitation, insomnia, anorexia, and reduced weight gain.

The safety and effectiveness of methylphenidate hydrochloride for the treatment of ADHD have been established in pediatric patients aged 6 to 17 years.

The safety and effectiveness of methylphenidate hydrochloride in pediatric patients aged less than 6 years have not been established.

The long-term efficacy of methylphenidate in pediatric patients has not been established.

Long-Term Suppression of Growth

Growth should be monitored during treatment with stimulants, including methylphenidate hydrochloride. Pediatric patients who are not growing or gaining weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].

Juvenile Animal Toxicity Data

Rats treated with methylphenidate early in the postnatal period through sexual maturation demonstrated a decrease in spontaneous locomotor activity in adulthood. A deficit in acquisition of a specific learning task was observed in females only. The doses at which these findings were observed are at least 4 times the MRHD of 60 mg/day given to children on a mg/m² basis.

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 4 times the MRHD of 60 mg/day given to children 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 (8 times the MRHD given to children on a mg/m² basis). The no effect level for juvenile neurobehavioral development in rats was 5 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.5 times the MRHD given to children on a mg/m² basis). The clinical significance of the long-term behavioral effects observed in rats is unknown.

Methylphenidate hydrochloride has not been studied in the geriatric population.

Methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets contain methylphenidate hydrochloride, a Schedule II controlled substance.

Methylphenidate hydrochloride has a high potential for abuse and misuse which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Methylphenidate hydrochloride can be diverted for non-medical use into illicit channels or distribution.

Abuse is the intentional non-therapeutic use of a drug, even once, to achieve a desired psychological or physiological effect. Misuse is the intentional use, for therapeutic purposes, of a drug by an individual in a way other than prescribed by a health care provider or for whom it was not prescribed. Drug addiction is a cluster of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological phenomena that may include a strong desire to take the drug, difficulties in controlling drug use (e.g., continuing drug use despite harmful consequences, giving a higher priority to drug use than other activities and obligations), and possible tolerance or physical dependence.

Misuse and abuse of methylphenidate hydrochloride may cause increased heart rate, respiratory rate, or blood pressure; 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 with CNS stimulants abuse and/or misuse. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including methylphenidate hydrochloride, can result in overdose and death [see Overdosage (10)], and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection.

Physical Dependence

Methylphenidate hydrochloride may produce physical dependence. Physical dependence is a state that develops as a result of physiological adaptation in response to repeated drug use, manifested by withdrawal signs and symptoms after abrupt discontinuation or a significant dose reduction of a drug.

Withdrawal signs and symptoms after abrupt discontinuation or dose reduction following prolonged use of CNS stimulants including methylphenidate hydrochloride include dysphoric mood; depression; fatigue; vivid, unpleasant dreams; insomnia or hypersomnia; increased appetite; and psychomotor retardation or agitation.

Tolerance

Methylphenidate hydrochloride may produce tolerance. Tolerance is a physiological state characterized by a reduced response to a drug after repeated administration (i.e., a higher dose of a drug is required to produce the same effect that was once obtained at a lower dose).

Clinical Effects of Overdose

Overdose of CNS stimulants is characterized by the following sympathomimetic effects:

• Cardiovascular effects including tachyarrhythmias, and hypertension or hypotension. Vasospasm, myocardial infarction, or aortic dissection may precipitate sudden cardiac death. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy may develop.
• CNS effects including psychomotor agitation, confusion, and hallucinations. Serotonin syndrome, seizures, cerebral vascular accidents, and coma may occur.
• Life-threatening hyperthermia (temperatures greater than 104°F) and rhabdomyolysis may develop.

Overdose Management

Consider the possibility of multiple drug ingestion. Because methylphenidate has a large volume of distribution and is rapidly metabolized, dialysis is not useful. Consider contacting the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdose management recommendations.

Methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets, USP contains methylphenidate hydrochloride USP, a CNS stimulant. It is available as tablets of 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg strengths for oral administration.

Methylphenidate hydrochloride, USP is methyl α-phenyl-2-piperidineacetate hydrochloride, and its structural formula is:

1 (Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablets 1)

Methylphenidate hydrochloride, USP is a white to off-white 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 g/mol.

Methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets, USP contain the following inactive ingredients: Lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid and FD&C Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake.

Methylphenidate hydrochloride is a central nervous system (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 blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine into the presynaptic neuron and increases the release of these monoamines into the extraneuronal space.

Cardiac Electrophysiology

A formal QT study has not been conducted in patients taking methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets.

The effect of dexmethylphenidate, the pharmacologically active d-enantiomer of methylphenidate hydrochloride tablet, 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 (CI) 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.

Absorption

The absolute bioavailability of methylphenidate is 22 ± 8% for the d-enantiomer and 5 ± 3% for the l-enantiomer. Peak plasma concentrations of approximately 4.3 ± 2.3 ng/mL were reached on an average of 2 hours after administration of 10 mg tablet. The time to peak rate in children was 1.9 hours (0.3 to 4.4 hours) for methylphenidate hydrochloride.

Effect of Food

Ingestion with food has no relevant effect on absorption of methylphenidate hydrochloride.

Distribution

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.

Elimination

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%).

Studies in Specific Populations

Male and Female Patients

No gender differences in the pharmacokinetics of methylphenidate between healthy male and female adults are expected.

Racial or Ethnic Groups

There is insufficient experience with the use of methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets to detect ethnic variations in pharmacokinetics.

Patients with Renal Impairment

Methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets have 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.

Patients with Hepatic Impairment

Methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets have 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.

Carcinogenesis

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 MRHD of 60 mg/day given to 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 (children) 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 mg/kg/day to 74 mg/kg/day of methylphenidate.

Mutagenesis

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.

Impairment of Fertility

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 times the MRHD of 60 mg/day given to adolescents on a mg/m² basis.

Methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets USP, 5 mg are supplied as light orange to orange, round compressed tablets, debossed cor on one side and 237 on the other side.

They are available as follows:

Bottles of 100:            NDC 0115-1800-01

Methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets USP, 10 mg are supplied as light orange to orange, round compressed tablets, debossed cor above bisect and 238 below the bisect on one side and plain on the other side.

They are available as follows:

Bottles of 100:            NDC 0115-1801-01

Methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets USP, 20 mg are supplied as light orange to orange, round compressed tablets, debossed cor over 239 on one side and bisect on the other side.

They are available as follows:

Bottles of 100:            NDC 0115-1802-01

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Protect from light.

Dispense in tight, light-resistant container (USP).

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).

Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction

Educate patients and their families about the risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction of methylphenidate hydrochloride, which can lead to overdose and death, and proper disposal of any unused drug [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2), Overdosage (10)]. Advise patients to store methylphenidate hydrochloride in a safe place, preferably locked, and instruct patients to not give methylphenidate hydrochloride to anyone else.

Risks to Patients with Serious Cardiac Disease

Advise patients that there are potential risks to patient with serious cardiac disease, including sudden death, with methylphenidate hydrochloride 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 (5.2)].

Increased Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

Instruct patients that methylphenidate hydrochloride can cause elevations of their blood pressure and pulse rate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Psychiatric Adverse Reactions

Advise patients that methylphenidate hydrochloride, at recommended doses, can cause psychotic or manic symptoms, even in patients without prior history of psychotic symptoms or mania [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Priapism

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 (5.5)].

Circulation Problems in Fingers and Toes [Peripheral Vasculopathy, Including Raynaud’s Phenomenon]

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 methylphenidate hydrochloride. Further clinical evaluation (e.g., rheumatology referral) may be appropriate for certain patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].

Long-Term Suppression of Growth in Pediatric Patients

Advise patients that methylphenidate hydrochloride may cause slowing of growth and weight loss [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].

Increased Intraocular Pressure (IOP) and Glaucoma

Advise patients that IOP and glaucoma may occur during treatment with methylphenidate hydrochloride [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].

Motor and Verbal Tics, and Worsening of Tourette’s Syndrome

Advise patients that motor and verbal tics and worsening of Tourette’s Syndrome may occur during treatment with methylphenidate hydrochloride. Instruct patients to notify their healthcare provider if emergence of new tics or worsening of tics or Tourette’s syndrome occurs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)].

Pregnancy Registry

Advise patients that there is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in patients exposed to ADHD medications, including methylphenidate hydrochloride, during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

Distributed by:
Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Rev. 02-2025-05

Dispense with Medication Guide available at:
documents.amneal.com/mg/methylphenidate-hcl-tablets.pdf

NDC 0115-1800-01

Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablets USP, 5 mg

Rx only

Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC

5 mg (Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablets 2)

NDC 0115-1801-01

Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablets USP, 10 mg

Rx only

Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC

10 mg (Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablets 3)

NDC 0115-1802-01

Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablets USP, 20 mg

Rx only

Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC

20 mg (Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablets 4)