This medicine is used for the following purposes:
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- narcolepsy
Brand Name(s): Ritalin
Generic Name: Methylphenidate
Instructions
Take the medicine 30 minutes before a meal.
Swallow with a full glass (8 oz) of water unless your doctor gives you different instructions.
You may take with food to prevent stomach upset.
This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.
Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.
Please ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist how to discard unused medicines safely.
If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
If you need to stop this medicine, your doctor may wish to gradually reduce the dosage before stopping.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
This medicine can be habit-forming. If you use this medicine regularly for a long time, it can lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop. Please use this medicine only as directed.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
This medicine is associated with an increased risk of serious heart problems, heart attack, and stroke. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain or difficulty breathing.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.
This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.
During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
If you have a painful erection or an erection for more than 4 hours, seek medical care right away.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
- decreased appetite
- dizziness
- headaches
- high blood pressure
- irritability
- nausea and vomiting
- nervousness
- weight loss
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- change in behavior
- chest or jaw pain
- fainting
- pale, blue or cold fingers, toes or nails
- sores or blisters on hands or feet
- fast or irregular heart beats
- mood changes
- uncontrollable movement of face, tongue, arms or legs
- seizures
- shakiness
- shortness of breath
- symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
- suicidal thoughts
- blurring or changes of vision
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
The display and use of this drug information is subject to Terms of Use.
More information about METHYLPHENIDATE - ORAL
Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
Selected from data included with permission and copyright by First DataBank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.
