Methylphenidate is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents.
ADHD is a behavioural condition characterised by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.
This medicine is meant to be taken as part of a complete ADHD care programme which includes psychological, educational, and social measures.
Apply Methylphenidate patch on your child's skin exactly as directed by the doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not apply more or less than instructed by your child's doctor.
Do not apply the patch on broken skin. Do not cut the patch. The release pattern of the medicine will be affected if you cut the patch. Do not use it for a longer period than instructed by the doctor.
Instructions for application:
- Remove the patch from the protective foil pouch and peel away half of the liner. Do not touch the sticky side with your fingers.
- Apply the patch to a clean, dry, and hairless area. Apply the patch on your child's hip. Make sure that the area of the skin is not oily, cut, blistered, or irritated. The skin should be free of any powder, creams, or lotions. If the area of skin is hairy, you should shave the area for at least 3 days before applying the patch. Do not put the patch near the waistline, or where the belt or clothes may rub against it.
- Peel away the other half of the liner. Press firmly on the skin for a few seconds to ensure that the patch stays in place.
- Apply the patch at around the same time every day.
- Change the site of application every day to avoid skin irritation. For example, if you put the patch on your child's right hip on the first day, put it on the left hip on the second day, and so on.
- If the patch falls off, apply a new patch to a new area of skin and change the patch at the usual scheduled time. If the sides of the patch lift up, use plaster or bandage to secure it to your child's skin.
- Throw away the used patch by folding the sticky sides together, put it back in the empty pouch, and place it in a rubbish bin. Do not throw it into the toilet bowl. Wash your hands after throwing the used patch.
Methylphenidate must be applied regularly for it to be effective. Continue applying this medicine even when your child feels better. Do not stop applying it suddenly as this may worsen your child's condition.
If your child misses a dose, you may apply the missed dose later in the day, and you should take it off at your child's normal patch removal schedule.
DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.
If you often forget to apply your child's medicine, let the doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert the doctor if your child has the following conditions:
- increased pressure in the eye
- phaeochromocytoma (rare tumour of the adrenal gland causing high blood pressure)
- hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland)
- current or history of mental illness e.g. depression, mood disorder, mania (feeling highly excited, being over-active and easily irritated or distracted), having thoughts of self-harm
- heart problems e.g. severe high blood pressure, heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood), heart attack
- diseases of the blood vessels supplying the brain e.g. stroke, brain aneurysm (weakness and bulging of the blood vessel wall in the brain)
as Methylphenidate may not be suitable for your child.
Do not use Methylphenidate if your child is currently taking or has taken medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Inform your child's doctor if he/she has the following conditions:
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- behaviour problems e.g. anxiety, tension, agitation
- current or history of Tourette's syndrome (a disorder characterised by sudden, repetitive, and uncontrollable body movements or vocal sounds)
- drug or alcohol dependency
- liver disease
- kidney disease
If your child is going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. certain urine drug tests), inform the doctor that your child is using this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your child's appointments with the doctor. The doctor needs to monitor your child's condition and check the response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. heart function, complete blood count) may be done while your child is being treated with this medicine. The doctor will advise you about how often your child needs to have these tests.
- Your child's blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your child's blood pressure and heart rate regularly during treatment.
- Regular monitoring of signs of depression or behavioural changes may also be needed.
Methylphenidate may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If affected, your child should not take part in any activity in which he/she needs to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: stomach pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, headache, hair loss, and rash, itchiness or redness at the application site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert the doctor quickly if your child experience any of the following:
- chest pain, tightness or pressure, pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder or back, shortness of breath, lightheadedness
- weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, vision problems, changes in balance or coordination
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- eye pain, swelling, or redness, and changes in eyesight
- fits or seizures
Inform the doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if your child experiences other side effects.
Do not use Methylphenidate if your child is currently taking or has taken medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Inform the doctor and pharmacist if your child is taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for high blood pressure
- risperidone (medicine for mood disorders)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Methylphenidate.
Always notify the doctor and pharmacist if your child is taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Do not refrigerate or freeze the patch.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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