II. Indications
-
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- No longer available in United States
- Not recommended for use due to hepatotoxicty
III. Pharmacokinetics
- Onset: 2 hours
- Duration: 6 to 10 hours
- Half-Life: 12 hours
- Steady state reached in 2 to 3 days
- Titrate dose every 3 to 4 weeks
- Delayed onset of therapeutic effect up to 3 to 4 weeks after being started
IV. Dosing
- Range: 0.5 - 2.5 mg/kg/dose (Up to 112.5 mg/day)
- Start: 18.75 mg orally each morning
- Frequency: Once to twice daily
V. Monitoring
-
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
- Obtain baseline
- Repeat testing every 2 weeks
- Symptom inquiry at every visit
- Anorexia
- Malaise
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Dark Urine
VI. Precautions
- Informed Consent from parents required prior to use (due to hepatotoxicity)
VII. Adverse Effects
- Hepatic failure of dysfunction
- Choreoathetoid movements
- Other adverse effects similar to Methylphenidate