Limitations of Use

Pediatric patients younger than 6 years of age experienced higher plasma exposure than patients 6 years and older at the same dose and high rates of adverse reactions, most notably weight loss [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

2.1 Pretreatment Screening

Prior to treating patients with methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules, assess:

• for the presence of cardiac disease (i.e., perform a careful history, family history of sudden death or ventricular arrhythmia, and physical exam) [see Warnings and Precautions 5.2].
• the family history and clinically evaluate patients for motor or verbal tics or Tourette's syndrome before initiating methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)].

2.2 Recommended Dosage

The recommended starting dose of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules in patients 6 years and older is 10 mg once daily orally in the morning with or without food. Advise patients to establish a routine pattern with regard to meals. The dose should be individualized according to the needs and response of the patient.

The dose may be titrated weekly in increments of 10 mg. Daily doses above 60 mg have not been studied and are not recommended.

2.3 Administration Instructions

Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules may be taken whole or the capsule may be opened and the entire contents sprinkled onto applesauce. If the patient is using the sprinkled administration method, the sprinkled applesauce should be consumed immediately; it should not be stored. Patients should take the applesauce with sprinkled beads in its entirety without chewing. The dose of a single capsule should not be divided. The contents of the entire capsule should be taken, and patients should not take anything less than one capsule per day.

2.4 Dosage Reduction and Discontinuation

If paradoxical aggravation of symptoms or other adverse reactions occur; the dosage should be reduced, or, if necessary, discontinue methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules.

If improvement is not observed after appropriate dosage adjustment over a one-month period, discontinue methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules.

5.1 Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction

Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules have a high potential for abuse and misuse. The use of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules expose individuals to the risks of abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Methylphenidate 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 methylphenidate 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 methylphenidate 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 methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules in a safe place, preferably locked, and instruct patients to not give methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules to anyone else. Throughout methylphenidate 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 methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules use in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious heart 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 bpm). Some patients may have larger increases.

Monitor all methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules-treated patients for hypertension and tachycardia.

5.4 Psychiatric Adverse Reactions

5.5 Priapism

Prolonged and painful erections, sometimes requiring surgical intervention, have been reported with methylphenidate use, in both adult and pediatric male patients. Although priapism was not reported with methylphenidate initiation, it developed after some time on methylphenidate, often subsequent to an increase in dosage. Priapism also occured during methylphenidate withdrawal (drug holidays or during discontinuation).

Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules patients who develop abnormally sustained or frequent and painful erections should seek immediate medical attention.

5.6 Peripheral Vasculopathy, including Raynaud's Phenomenon

CNS stimulants, including methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules, used to treat ADHD are associated with peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud's phenomenon. Signs and symptoms are usually intermittent and mild; however, sequelae have included digital ulceration and/or soft tissue breakdown. Effects of peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud's phenomenon, were observed in post-marketing reports and at the therapeutic dosages of CNS stimulants in all age groups throughout the course of treatment. Signs and symptoms generally improved after dosage reduction or discontinuation of the CNS stimulant.

Careful observation for digital changes is necessary during methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules treatment. Further clinical evaluation (e.g., rheumatology referral) may be appropriate for methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules-treated patients who develop signs or symptoms of peripheral vasculopathy.

5.7 Long-Term Suppression of Growth in Pediatric Patients

CNS stimulants have been associated with weight loss and slowing of growth rate in pediatric patients.

Careful follow-up of weight and height in pediatric patients ages 7 to 10 years who were randomized to either methylphenidate or non-medication treatment groups over 14 months, as well as in naturalistic subgroups of newly methylphenidate-treated and non-medication treated pediatric patients over 36 months (to the ages of 10 to 13 years), suggests that pediatric patients who received methylphenidate for 7 days per week throughout the year had a temporary slowing in growth rate (on average, a total of about 2 cm less growth in height and 2.7 kg less growth in weight over 3 years), without evidence of growth rebound during this development period.

Closely monitor growth (weight and height) in methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules-treated pediatric patients. Pediatric patients who are not growing or gaining height or weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted. Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules are not approved for use in pediatric patients below 6 years of age [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

5.8 Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma

There have been reports of angle closure glaucoma associated with methylphenidate treatment.

Although the mechanism is not clear, methylphenidate 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.

5.9 Increased Intraocular Pressure and Glaucoma

There have been reports of an elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) associated with methylphenidate treatment [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

Prescribe methylphenidate 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 methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules-treated patients with a history of abnormally increased IOP or open angle glaucoma.

5.10 Motor and Verbal Tics, and Worsening of Tourette's Syndrome

CNS stimulants, including methylphenidate, have been associated with the onset or exacerbation of motor and verbal tics. Worsening of Tourette's syndrome has also been reported [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

Before initiating methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules, assess the family history and clinically evaluate patients for tics or Tourette's syndrome. Regularly monitor methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules-treated patients for the emergence or worsening of tics or Tourette's syndrome, and discontinue treatment if clinically appropriate.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.

6.2 Post-Marketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of methylphenidate products. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. These adverse reactions are as follows:

Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Pancytopenia, Thrombocytopenia, Thrombocytopenic purpura

Cardiac Disorders: Angina pectoris, Bradycardia, Extrasystole, Supraventricular tachycardia, Ventricular extrasystole

Eye Disorders: Diplopia, Increased intraocular pressure, Mydriasis, Visual impairment

General Disorders: Chest pain, Chest discomfort, Hyperpyrexia

Immune System Disorders: Hypersensitivity reactions such as Angioedema, Anaphylactic reactions, Auricular swelling, Bullous conditions, Exfoliative conditions, Urticarias, Pruritus NEC, Rashes, Eruptions, and Exanthems NEC

Investigations: Alkaline phosphatase increased, Bilirubin increased, Hepatic enzyme increased, Platelet count decreased, White blood cell count abnormal, severe hepatic injury

Musculoskeletal, Connective Tissue and Bone Disorders: Arthralgia, Myalgia, Muscle twitching, Rhabdomyolysis

Nervous System: Convulsion, Grand mal convulsion, Dyskinesia, serotonin syndrome in combination with serotonergic drugs, Motor and Verbal Tics

Psychiatric Disorders: Disorientation, Libido changes

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Alopecia, Erythema

7.1 Clinically Important Interactions with Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules

8.1 Pregnancy

8.2 Lactation

8.4 Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules in pediatric patients under 6 years have not been established.

Safety and efficacy of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules were evaluated in a multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel group study in 119 children 4 to <6 years of age with ADHD followed by a 12-month open-label extension in 44 of these children. In these studies, patients experienced high rates of adverse reactions, most notably weight loss. Comparing weights prior to initiation of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules (in the safety and efficacy study) to weights after 12 months of treatment (in the open-label extension), 20 of 39 patients with data (50%) had lost enough weight to decrease 10 or more percentiles on a Centers for Disease Control growth chart for weight. In addition, systemic drug exposures in patients 4 to <6 years of age were higher than those observed in older children and adolescents at the same dose (2 to 3 fold higher Cmax and AUC). Therefore, the benefits of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules do not outweigh the risks in pediatric patients 4 to <6 years of age.

The safety and effectiveness of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules have been established in pediatric patients ages 6 to 17 years in two adequate and well-controlled clinical trials [see Clinical Studies (14)]. The long-term efficacy of methylphenidate in pediatric patients has not been established.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Clinical trials of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules did not include any patients aged 65 years and over. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient start at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

9.1 Controlled Substance

Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules contains methylphenidate a Schedule II controlled substance.

9.2 Abuse

Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules have a high potential for abuse and misuse which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules can be diverted for non-medical use into illicit channels or distribution.

Abuse is the intentional non-therapeutic use of a drug, even once, to achieve a desired psychological or physiological effect. Misuse is the intentional use, for therapeutic purposes, of a drug by an individual in a way other than prescribed by a health care provider or for whom it was not prescribed. Drug addiction is a cluster of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological phenomena that may include a strong desire to take the drug, difficulties in controlling drug use (e.g., continuing drug use despite harmful consequences, giving a higher priority to drug use than other activities and obligations), and possible tolerance or physical dependence.

Misuse and abuse of methylphenidate may cause increased heart rate, respiratory rate, or blood pressure; sweating; dilated pupils; hyperactivity; restlessness; insomnia; decreased appetite; loss of coordination; tremors; flushed skin; vomiting; and/or abdominal pain. Anxiety, psychosis, hostility, aggression, and suicidal or homicidal ideation have also been observed with CNS stimulants abuse and/or misuse. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including methylphenidate 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.

9.3 Dependence

Clinical Effects of Overdose

Overdose of CNS stimulants is characterized by the following sympathomimetic effects:

• Cardiovascular effects including tachyarrhythmias, and hypertension or hypotension. Vasospasm, myocardial infarction, or aortic dissection may precipitate sudden cardiac death. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy may develop.
• CNS effects including psychomotor agitation, confusion, and hallucinations. Serotonin syndrome, seizures, cerebral vascular accidents, and coma may occur.
• Life-threatening hyperthermia (temperatures greater than 104°F) and rhabdomyolysis may develop.

Overdose Management

Consider the possibility of multiple drug ingestion. The pharmacokinetic profile of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules should be considered when treating patients with overdose. Because methylphenidate has a large volume of distribution and is rapidly metabolized, dialysis is not useful. Consider contacting the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdose management recommendations.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Methylphenidate HCl is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. The mode of therapeutic action in ADHD is not known.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Methylphenidate is a racemic mixture comprised of the d- and l-isomers. The d-isomer is more pharmacologically active than the l-isomer. Methylphenidate blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine into the presynaptic neuron and increase the release of these monoamines into the extraneuronal space.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Pediatric Patients

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, flexible-dose, cross-over, analog classroom study (Study 1) was conducted in pediatric patients ages 6 to 12 years (N=26) who met DSM-IV-TR criteria for ADHD inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined inattentive/hyperactive-impulsive subtypes.

Following a 2 to 4 week open-label dose optimization phase in which patients received flexible-dose methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, or 40 mg administered once daily in the morning, patients were randomly assigned to methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules (dose from open-label phase) or placebo. After 1-week of treatment, patients were evaluated over a period of 12 hours. Subsequently, patients were given the opposite treatment for 1-week and returned for the second evaluation. Patients could then enter an open-label extension phase for up to 21 months.

Efficacy assessments were conducted at 1, 2, 3, 4.5, 6, 7.5, 9, 10.5 and 12 hours post-dose using the Swanson, Kotkin, Agler, M. Flynn, and Pelham Total score (SKAMP). The primary efficacy endpoint was the average SKAMP Total Score, comparing methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules to placebo. SKAMP is a validated 13-item teacher-rated scale that assesses manifestations of ADHD in a classroom setting.

The SKAMP Total Scores were statistically significantly better (lower) for methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules than for placebo at the test day average and at all time points (1, 2, 3, 4.5, 6, 7.5, 9, 10.5 and 12 hours) post-dosing (see Figure 2).

Figure 2: Absolute SKAMP- Total Score after treatment with Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules or Placebo (Study 1).

A randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, fixed-dose study (Study 2) was conducted in pediatric patients age 6 to 17 years (N=230) who met DSM-IV-TR criteria for ADHD inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined inattentive/hyperactive-impulsive subtypes.

The ADHD-RS-IV is an 18-item questionnaire with a score range of 0 to 54 points that measures the core symptoms of ADHD and includes both hyperactive/impulsive and inattentive subscales.

Patients were randomized to a daily morning dose of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg, or placebo for 1 week. An 11-week open label phase followed the double-blind phase. Patients could then enter another open-label phase for up to 21 months.

The primary efficacy endpoint was the mean decrease from baseline to the end of Week 1 in the ADHD-RS-IV Total Score. Each of the four methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules doses (10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg/day) was compared to placebo at the end of week 1. For both the 20 mg/day and the 40 mg/day doses, methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules was superior to placebo in reduction of the ADHD-RS-IV Total Score, but not for the 10 mg/day or the 15 mg/day doses.

A total of 221 patients completed the 1-week double-blind phase. Among those, 200 (90.5%) completed the 11-week open label phase and 173 (86.5%) patients continued into the 21-month open-label extension phase.

Storage and Handling

Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules should be stored at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from moisture.

Dispense in tight container (USP).

Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction

Educate patients and their families about the risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules, which can lead to overdose and death, and proper disposal of any unused drug [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1),Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2), Overdosage (10)]. Advise patients to store methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules in a safe place, preferably locked, and instruct patients to not give methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules to anyone else.

Dosage and Administration Instructions

Advise patients that methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules can be taken with or without food and that they should establish a routine pattern of taking methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules with regard to meals. For patients who take methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules sprinkled over applesauce, the contents of the entire capsule should be consumed immediately; it should not be stored. Patients should take the applesauce with sprinkled beads in its entirety without chewing. When initiating treatment with methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules, provide dosage escalation and administration instructions [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

Risks to Patients with Serious Cardiac Disease

Advise patients that there are potential risks to patient with serious cardiac disease, including sudden death, with methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules use. Instruct patients to contact a healthcare provider immediately if they develop symptoms such as exertional chest pain, unexplained syncope, or other symptoms suggestive of cardiac disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Increased Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

Instruct patients that methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules can cause elevations of their blood pressure and pulse rate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Psychiatric Adverse Reactions

Advise patients that methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules, at recommended doses, can cause psychotic or manic symptoms, even in patients without prior history of psychotic symptoms or mania [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Priapism

Advise patients of the possibility of painful or prolonged penile erections (priapism). Instruct them to seek immediate medical attention in the event of priapism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Circulation problems in fingers and toes [Peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud's phenomenon]

Instruct patients beginning treatment with methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules about the risk of peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud's Phenomenon, and associated signs and symptoms: fingers or toes may feel numb, cool, painful, and/or may change from pale, to blue, to red. Instruct patients to report to their physician any new numbness, pain, skin color change, or sensitivity to temperature in fingers or toes.

Instruct patients to call their physician immediately with any signs of unexplained wounds appearing on fingers or toes while taking methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules. Further clinical evaluation (e.g. rheumatology referral) may be appropriate for certain patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].

Long-Term Suppression of Growth in Pediatric Patients

Advise patients that methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules may cause slowing of growth and weight loss [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].

Increased Intraocular Pressure (IOP) and Glaucoma

Advise patients that IOP and glaucoma may occur during treatment with methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].

Motor and Verbal Tics, and Worsening of Tourette's Syndrome

Advise patients that motor and verbal tics and worsening of Tourette's syndrome may occur during treatment with methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules. Instruct patients to notify their healthcare provider if emergence of new tics or worsening of tics or Tourette's syndrome occurs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)].

Alcohol Effect

Advise patients to avoid alcohol while taking methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules. Consumption of alcohol while taking methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules may result in a more rapid release of the dose of methylphenidate [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Pregnancy Registry

Advise patients that there is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].