Focalin

— THERAPEUTIC CATEGORIES —
  • ADHD

Focalin Generic Name & Formulations

General Description

Dexmethylphenidate HCl (single-isomer methylphenidate) 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg+; tabs; +dye-free.

Pharmacological Class

CNS stimulant.

See Also

How Supplied

XR caps, tabs—100

Generic Availability

YES

Focalin Indications

Indications

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Focalin Dosage and Administration

Adults and Children

<6yrs: not established. Individualize. ≥6yrs: initially 2.5mg twice daily at least 4hrs apart; may increase by 2.5–5mg weekly; max 20mg/day. Switching from racemic methylphenidate (eg, Ritalin): ½ of racemic methylphenidate dose.

Focalin Contraindications

Contraindications

During or within 14 days of MAOIs.

Focalin Boxed Warnings

Boxed Warning

Abuse and dependence.

Focalin Warnings/Precautions

Warnings/Precautions

High potential for abuse and dependence; monitor. Increased risk of sudden death, stroke, and MI; assess for presence of cardiac disease before initiating. Avoid in known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, and other cardiac problems. Pre-existing psychotic disorder. Bipolar disorder. Screen for risk factors of developing a manic episode prior to initiation. Consider discontinuing if new psychotic/manic symptoms occur. Peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud's Phenomenon; monitor for digital changes. Monitor growth (esp. children), BP, HR. Reduce dose or discontinue if paradoxical aggravation of symptoms occur. Reevaluate periodically. Pregnancy. Nursing mothers: monitor infants.

Focalin Pharmacokinetics

See Literature

Focalin Interactions

Interactions

See Contraindications. Hypertensive crisis with MAOIs. Avoid concomitant use with halogenated anesthetics (eg, halothane). Risk of serotonin syndrome with serotonergic drugs. May antagonize antihypertensive drugs (eg, K+-sparing or thiazide diuretics, CCBs, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta blockers, centrally acting alpha-2 receptor agonists); monitor and adjust dose of antihypertensives as needed. Concomitant risperidone may increase risk of extrapyramidal symptoms; monitor.

Focalin Adverse Reactions

Adverse Reactions

Dyspepsia, dry mouth, decreased appetite, headache, anxiety, pharyngolaryngeal pain, anorexia, nausea, abdominal pain, fever; weight loss, hypertension, tachycardia, priapism.

Focalin Clinical Trials

See Literature

Focalin Note

Not Applicable

Focalin Patient Counseling

See Literature