Ritalin cd

What is it?

A central nervous system stimulant and controlled drug available as scored, white tablets containing 10mg of methylphenidate hydrochloride, marked AB and CG.

Medical Uses

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children.

Dosage

Children aged over 6 years, 5mg once or twice each day increasing, if required at weekly intervals, by increments of 5 to 10mg each day, to a daily maximum of 60mg in divided doses. If no improvement has been noticed within 4 weeks then the drug should be withdrawn.

Special Care

Must be prescribed only under specialist supervision by expert in behavioural disorders in children, pregnancy, breastfeeding, patients who are emotionally unstable, high blood pressure, epilepsy, psychosis. Weight, height and blood pressure should be monitored and blood counts performed if treatment is long-term. Drug should be stopped carefully.

Avoid Use

Heart arrhythmias, toxicity of thyroid gland, family history of Tourette's syndrome or tics, severe agitation, anxiety or tension, glaucoma, serious angina.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Guanethidine, anticonvulsants, phenylbutazone, anticoagulants, TCAD, pressor agents, alcohol, MAOIs.

Known Side Effects

Insomnia, gastrointestinal upset, appetite loss, nervousness, headache.

Manufacturer

Cephalon.