Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If too much is taken, it may become habit-forming and cause mental or physical dependence.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one.

To help prevent trouble with sleeping, take the last dose of the short-acting tablets before 6 PM, unless your doctor gives you a different time.

If you are taking the chewable tablet, drink at least 8 ounces of water or other liquid when you chew the tablet. Take it preferably 30 to 45 minutes before meals.

Shake the oral liquid gently just before using it. Use a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup to measure the right dose. Take it preferably 30 to 45 minutes before meals.

If you are taking the long-acting forms of this medicine:

  • The Concerta® or Relexxii® extended release tablets, Adhansia XR®, Aptensio XR™, Metadate CD®, or Ritalin LA® capsules, and Ritalin SR® tablets are to be swallowed whole with water or other liquids. Do not break, open, crush, or chew them before swallowing.
  • If you cannot swallow the Adhansia XR® extended-release capsule whole, you may open it and sprinkle the medicine onto a tablespoon of applesauce or yogurt. Swallow this mixture without chewing, right away or within 10 minutes. Do not store this mixture for later use.
  • If you are unable to swallow the Aptensio XR™, Jornay PM®, Metadate CD®, or Ritalin LA® extended-release capsule whole, carefully open the capsule and sprinkle the small beads over a spoonful of applesauce. The mixture of drug and applesauce should be taken right away without chewing. The drug and applesauce mixture should not be stored for future use.
  • If you are taking the Concerta® or Relexxii® extended-release tablets, you may sometimes notice what looks like a tablet in your stool. This is the empty tablet shell that is left after the medicine has been absorbed into your body.
  • You may take Concerta® or Relexxii® extended release tablets, Adhansia XR®, Aptensio XR™, or Jornay PM® extended-release capsules, or Cotempla XR-ODT™ extended release disintegrating tablets with or without food.
  • If you are taking the Cotempla XR-ODT™ extended release disintegrating tablet, make sure your hands are dry before you handle it. Do not open the blister pack that contains the tablet until you are ready to take it. Remove the tablet from the blister pack by peeling back the foil, then taking the tablet out. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet in your mouth. It should melt quickly. Do not crush or chew it.
  • If you are taking the Quillivant® XR extended-release suspension, shake the bottle well for at least 10 seconds before measuring each dose. Use only the oral dosing dispenser provided in the package to get the right dose. You may take it with or without food.
  • If you are taking the Quillichew ER™ tablets, you may cut the 20- and 30-milligram (mg) scored chewable tablets into two if needed.

Use only the brand of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. Different brands may not work the same way. If you are switching from other brands of this medicine, your doctor may tell you to stop using other methylphenidate products and adjust your dose of Quillivant® XR extended-release suspension.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD):
    • For short-acting oral dosage forms (chewable tablets or solution):
      • Adults—Administer 2 or 3 times a day and take 30 to 45 minutes before meals. The average dose is 20 to 30 milligrams (mg) per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 60 mg per day.
      • Children 6 years of age and older—At first, 5 mg 2 times a day, taken before breakfast and lunch. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 60 mg per day.
      • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
    • For short-acting oral dosage form (tablets):
      • Adults—20 to 30 milligrams (mg) given in divided doses 2 or 3 times a day, taken 30 to 45 minutes before meals. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 60 mg per day.
      • Children 6 years of age and older—At first, 5 mg 2 times a day, taken before breakfast and lunch. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 60 mg per day.
      • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
    • For long-acting oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):
      • Patients who have not been treated with methylphenidate:
        • Adhansia XR®:
          • Adults and children 6 years of age and older—At first, 25 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken in the morning. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 100 mg per day for adults and 85 mg for children.
          • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
        • Aptensio XR™, Metadate CD®, Ritalin LA®:
          • Adults and children 6 years of age and older—At first, 10 to 20 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken in the morning. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 60 mg per day.
          • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
        • Jornay PM®:
          • Adults and children 6 years of age and older—At first, 20 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken in the evening. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 100 mg per day.
          • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
      • Patients who are already taking methylphenidate:
        • Adults and children 6 to 12 years of age—10 to 60 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken in the morning. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 60 mg per day.
        • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
    • For long-acting oral dosage form (extended-release suspension):
      • Adults and children 6 years of age and older—At first, 20 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken in the morning. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 60 mg per day.
      • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
    • For long-acting oral dosage form (extended-release chewable tablets):
      • Adults and children 6 years of age and older—At first, 20 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken in the morning. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 60 mg per day.
      • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
    • For long-acting oral dosage form (extended-release disintegrating tablets):
      • Adults and children 6 years of age and older—At first, 17.3 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken in the morning. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 51.8 mg per day.
      • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
    • For long-acting oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
      • For patients who have not been treated with methylphenidate:
        • Adults—At first, 18 to 36 milligrams (mg) once a day in the morning. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 72 mg per day.
        • Teenagers 13 to 17 years of age—At first, 18 mg once a day in the morning. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 72 mg per day.
        • Children 6 to 12 years of age—At first, 18 mg once a day in the morning. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 54 mg per day.
        • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • For patients already using methylphenidate:
        • Adults and children 6 years of age and older—At first, 18 to 72 milligrams (mg) once a day in the morning. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 72 mg per day.
        • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For narcolepsy:
    • For short-acting oral dosage forms (chewable tablets or solution):
      • Adults—Administer 2 or 3 times a day and take 30 to 45 minutes before meals. Average dose is 20 to 30 milligrams (mg) per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 60 mg per day.
      • Children 6 years of age and older—At first, 5 mg 2 times a day, taken before breakfast and lunch. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 60 mg per day.
      • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
    • For short-acting oral dosage form (tablets):
      • Adults—20 to 30 milligrams (mg) given in divided doses 2 or 3 times a day, taken 30 to 45 minutes before meals (breakfast and lunch). Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 60 mg per day.
      • Children 6 years of age and older—At first, 5 mg 2 times a day, taken before breakfast and lunch. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 60 mg per day.
      • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

If you miss a dose of Adhansia XR®, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

For the extended-release suspension: Dispose of any unused suspension 4 months after it is used for the first time.

Store the extended release disintegrating tablets in the reusable travel case after you remove it from the carton.

Drop off any unused narcotic medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused narcotic medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm

From Mayo Clinic to your inbox

Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview.

To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.