Dexmethylphenidate: uses, appearance and warnings

Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules are indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . Limitations of Use The use of dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules is not recommended in pediatric patients younger than 6 years of age because they had higher plasma exposure and a higher incidence of adverse reactions (e.g., weight loss) than patients 6 years and older at the same dosage [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 )] . Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules are a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) ( 1 ). Limitations of Use The use of dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules is not recommended in pediatric patients younger than 6 years of age because they had higher plasma exposure and a higher incidence of adverse reactions (e.g., weight loss) than patients 6 years and older at the same dosage ( 5.7 , 8.4 ).

5 mg extended-release capsules – two-piece hard-gelatin capsule with aqua-blue-opaque cap and aqua-blue-opaque body, filled with white to off-white pellets. Imprinted in black ink with “TEVA” on cap and “5550” on body. 10 mg extended-release capsules – two-piece hard-gelatin capsule with ivory-opaque cap and ivory-opaque body, filled with white to off-white pellets. Imprinted in black ink with “TEVA” on cap and “5551” on body. 15 mg extended-release capsules – two-piece hard-gelatin capsule with blue-green-opaque cap and blue-green-opaque body, filled with white to off-white pellets. Imprinted in black ink with “TEVA” on cap and “5552” on body. 20 mg extended-release capsules – two-piece hard-gelatin capsule with white-opaque cap and white-opaque body, filled with white to off-white pellets. Imprinted in black ink with “TEVA” on cap and “5553” on body. 25 mg extended-release capsules – two-piece hard-gelatin capsule with aqua blue opaque cap and white opaque body, filled with white to off-white pellets. Imprinted in black ink with “TEVA” on cap and “5045” on body. 30 mg extended-release capsules – two-piece hard-gelatin capsule with ivory-opaque cap and white-opaque body, filled with white to off-white pellets. Imprinted in black ink with “TEVA” on cap and “5554” on body. 35 mg extended-release capsules – two-piece hard-gelatin capsule with aqua blue opaque cap and ivory opaque body, filled with white to off-white pellets. …

Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules are available as follows: 5 mg: Two-piece hard-gelatin capsule with aqua-blue-opaque cap and aqua-blue-opaque body, filled with white to off-white pellets. Imprinted in black ink with “TEVA” on cap and “5550” on body in bottles of 100 (NDC 0093-5550-01). 10 mg: Two-piece hard-gelatin capsule with ivory-opaque cap and ivory-opaque body, filled with white to off-white pellets. Imprinted in black ink with “TEVA” on cap and “5551” on body in bottles of 100 (NDC 0093-5551-01). 15 mg: Two-piece hard-gelatin capsule with blue-green-opaque cap and blue-green-opaque body, filled with white to off-white pellets. Imprinted in black ink with “TEVA” on cap and “5552” on body in bottles of 100 (NDC 0093-5552-01). 20 mg: Two-piece hard-gelatin capsule with white-opaque cap and white-opaque body, filled with white to off-white pellets. Imprinted in black ink with “TEVA” on cap and “5553” on body in bottles of 100 (NDC 0093-5553-01). 25 mg: Two-piece hard-gelatin capsule with aqua blue opaque cap and white opaque body, filled with white to off-white pellets. Imprinted in black ink with “TEVA” on cap and “5045” on body in bottles of 100 (NDC 0093-5045-01). 30 mg: Two-piece hard-gelatin capsule with ivory-opaque cap and white-opaque body, filled with white to off-white pellets. Imprinted in black ink with “TEVA” on cap and “5554” on body in bottles of 100 (NDC 0093-5554-01). 35 mg: Two-piece hard-gelatin capsule with aqua blue opaque cap and ivory opaque body, filled with white to off-white pellets. Imprinted in black ink with “TEVA” on cap and “5046” on body in bottles of 100 (NDC 0093-5046-01). 40 mg: Two-piece hard-gelatin capsule with blue-green cap and white-opaque body, filled with white to off-white pellets. Imprinted in black ink with “TEVA” on cap and “5562” on body in bottles of 100 (NDC 0093-5562-01). Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP, with a child-resistant closure (as required). Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.

Hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or other components of dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules. Hypersensitivity reactions, such as angioedema and anaphylactic reactions have been reported in patients treated with methylphenidate [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . 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 )] . Known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or other components of dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules ( 4 ). Concurrent treatment with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or use of an MAOI within the preceding 14 days ( 4 ).

Risks to Patients with Serious Cardiac Disease : Avoid use in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, or other serious cardiac disease ( 5.2 ). Increased Blood Pressure and Heart Rate: Monitor blood pressure and pulse ( 5.3 ). Psychiatric Adverse Reactions: Prior to initiating dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules, screen patients for risk factors for developing a manic episode. If new psychotic or manic symptoms occur, consider discontinuing dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules ( 5.4 ). Priapism: If abnormally sustained or frequent and painful erections occur, patients should seek immediate medical attention ( 5.5 ). Peripheral Vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s Phenomenon: Careful observation for digital changes is necessary during dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules treatment. Further clinical evaluation (e.g., rheumatology referral) may be appropriate for patients who develop signs or symptoms of peripheral vasculopathy ( 5.6 ). Long-Term Suppression of Growth in Pediatric Patients: Closely monitor growth (height and weight) in pediatric patients. Pediatric patients not growing or gaining height or weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted ( 5.7 ). Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma : Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules-treated patients considered at risk for acute angle closure glaucoma (e.g., patients with significant hyperopia) should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist ( 5.8 ). Increased Intraocular Pressure (IOP) and Glaucoma : Prescribe dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules to patients with open-angle glaucoma or abnormally increased IOP only if the benefit of treatment is considered to outweigh the risk. Closely monitor patients with a history of increased IOP or open angle glaucoma ( 5.9 ). Motor and Verbal Tics, and Worsening of Tourette’s Syndrome : Before initiating dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules, assess the family history and clinically evaluate patients for tics or Tourette’s syndrome. Regularly monitor patients for the emergence or worsening of tics or Tourette’s syndrome. Discontinue treatment if clinically appropriate ( 5.10 ). 5.1 Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules have a high potential for abuse and misuse. The use of dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules exposes individuals to the risks of abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules 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 dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules, 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 dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules, 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 dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules in a safe place, preferably locked, and instruct patients to not give dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules to anyone else. Throughout dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules treatment, reassess each patient’s risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction. 5.2 Risks to Patients with Serious Cardiac Disease Sudden death has been reported in patients with structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious cardiac disease who were treated with CNS stimulants at the recommended ADHD dosage. Avoid dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release use in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious cardiac arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, or other serious cardiac disease. 5.3 Increased Blood Pressure and Heart Rate CNS stimulants cause an increase in blood pressure (mean increase approximately 2 to 4 mmHg) and heart rate (mean increase approximately 3 to 6 beats per minute). Some patients may have larger increases. Monitor all dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release-treated patients for hypertension and tachycardia. 5.4 Psychiatric Adverse Reactions 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 dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release treatment, screen patients for risk factors for developing 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 dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules. 5.5 Priapism Prolonged and painful erections, sometimes requiring surgical intervention, have been reported with methylphenidate use in both adult and pediatric male patients. …

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 dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules [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 …

Antihypertensive Drugs: Monitor blood pressure. Adjust dosage of antihypertensive drug as needed ( 7.1 ). 7.1 Clinically Important Drug Interactions with Dexmethylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules Table 5 presents clinically important drug interactions with dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules. Table 5: Clinically Important Drug Interactions with Dexmethylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact Concomitant use of MAOIs and CNS stimulants, including dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules, can cause hypertensive crisis. Potential outcomes include death, stroke, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, ophthalmological complications, eclampsia, pulmonary edema, and renal failure [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . …