ADHD:

Indications for: FOCALIN XR

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Adult Dosage:

Take in the AM. Swallow whole or sprinkle contents onto applesauce (swallow immediately); do not crush, chew or divide beads. Initially 10mg once daily; may increase by 10mg weekly; max 40mg/day. Switching from racemic methylphenidate: give ½ of total daily racemic methylphenidate dose. Switching from immediate-release dexmethylphenidate: give same total daily dose.

Children Dosage:

<6yrs: not established. Take in the AM. Swallow whole or sprinkle contents onto applesauce (swallow immediately); do not crush, chew or divide beads. Individualize. ≥6yrs: initially 5mg once daily; may increase by 5mg weekly; max 30mg/day. Switching from racemic methylphenidate: give ½ of total daily racemic methylphenidate dose. Switching from immediate-release dexmethylphenidate: give same total daily dose.

FOCALIN XR Contraindications:

During or within 14 days of MAOIs.

Boxed Warning:

Abuse and dependence.

FOCALIN XR 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.

See Also:

FOCALIN XR Classification:

CNS stimulant.

FOCALIN XR 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.

Adverse Reactions:

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

Generic Drug Availability:

YES

How Supplied:

XR caps, tabs—100