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לע רשואו קדבנ ונכותו תואירבה דרשמ " י ע עבקנ הז ןולע טמרופ" RITALIN® / RITALIN® SR / RITALIN® LA
(Methylphenidate hydrochloride)
Ritalin 10 mg / Ritalin SR 20 mg / Ritalin LA 10mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg Prescribing Information
RITALIN® 10 mg Tablets.
RITALIN® SR 20 mg Tablets.
RITALIN® LA 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg or 40 mg Modified-Release Capsules.
2
Description and Composition
Pharmaceutical form(s)
Ritalin: Immediate-release tablet, divisible. Ritalin SR: Sustained-release tablet, non-divisible. Ritalin LA: Modified-release capsule, hard. Active substance(s)
The active substance is methylphenidate hydrochloride. Ritalin tablet contains 10 mg methylphenidate hydrochloride. Ritalin SR tablet contains 20 mg methylphenidate hydrochloride. Ritalin LA capsule contains 10mg, 20 mg, 30 mg and 40 mg methylphenidate hydrochloride. Active Moiety
Methylphenidate (INN for alpha-phenyl-2-piperidine acetic acid methyl ester). Excipients
Ritalin tablet [10 mg]: calcium phosphate tribasic, lactose, cryst., wheat starch, gelatine,
magnesium stearate, and talc.
Ritalin SR tablet [20 mg]: lactose monohydrate, cetostearyl alcohol, magnesium stearate,
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyoxyl hydrogenated castor oil, titanium dioxide (E 171),
talc, carnauba wax, and fine black ink.
Ritalin LA capsule [10mg, 20 mg, 30 mg and 40 mg]: ammonio methacrylate copolymer type
B, black iron oxide (E 172) (10 mg and 40 mg capsules only), gelatine, methacrylic acid
copolymer type A, polyethylene glycol 6000, red iron oxide (E 172) (10 mg and 40 mg capsules
only), sugar spheres, talc, titanium dioxide (E 171), triethyl citrate, and yellow iron oxide (E
172) (10 mg, 30 mg and 40 mg capsules only).
3. Indications
Ritalin 10 mg, Ritalin SR: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Narcolepsy.
Ritalin LA 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, DSM-IV)
ADHD was previously known as attention-deficit disorder or minimal brain dysfunction. Other terms used to describe this behavioural syndrome include: hyperkinetic disorder, minimal brain damage, minimal cerebral dysfunction, minor cerebral dysfunction and psycho-organic syndrome of children. Ritalin is indicated as part of a comprehensive treatment programme which typically includes psychological, educational, and social measures and is aimed at stabilising children with a behavioural syndrome characterised by moderate to severe distractibility, short attention span, hyperactivity, emotional lability, and impulsivity. The diagnosis should be made according to DSM-IV criteria or the guidelines in ICD-10. Non-localising (soft) neurological signs, learning disability, and abnormal EEG may or may not be present, and a diagnosis of central nervous system dysfunction may or may not be warranted. Special Diagnostic Considerations for ADHD
The specific aetiology of this syndrome is unknown, and there is no single diagnostic test. Proper diagnosis requires medical and neuropsychological, educational, and social investigation. Characteristics commonly reported include: history of short attention span, distractibility, emotional lability, impulsivity, and moderate-to-severe hyperactivity, minor neurological signs, and abnormal EEG. Learning may or may not be impaired. The diagnosis must be based upon a complete history and evaluation of the child and not solely on the presence of one or more of these characteristics. Drug treatment is not indicated in all children with this syndrome. Stimulants are not indicated in children with symptoms secondary to environmental factors (child abuse in particular) and/or primary psychiatric disorder, including psychosis. Appropriate educational placement is essential, and psychosocial intervention is generally necessary. Where remedial measures alone prove insufficient, the decision to prescribe a stimulant must be based on rigorous assessment of the severity of the child's symptoms. Narcolepsy (Ritalin and Ritalin SR only)
Symptoms include daytime sleepiness, inappropriate sleep episodes, and sudden loss of voluntary muscle tone. 4. Dosage
Administration
The dosage of Ritalin should be individualised according to the patient's clinical needs and responses. In the treatment of ADHD, an attempt should be made to time administration to coincide with the periods of greatest academic, behavioural, and social stress. Ritalin should be started at a low dose, with increments at weekly intervals. Daily doses above 60 mg are not recommended. If symptoms do not improve after dose titration over a period of one month, the drug should be discontinued. If symptoms worsen or other adverse effects occur, the dosage should be reduced or, if necessary, the drug discontinued. If the effect of the drug wears off too early in the evening, disturbed behaviour and/or inability to go to sleep may recur. A small evening dose of the normal tablet or an afternoon dose of the SR tablet may help to solve this problem. Ritalin should be discontinued periodically to assess the child's condition. Improvement may continue when the drug is temporarily or permanently discontinued. Drug treatment should not, and need not, be indefinite. It can usually be discontinued during or after puberty. Pre-treatment screening
Before initiating Ritalin treatment, patients should be assessed for pre-existing cardiovascular and psychiatric disorders and a family history of sudden death, ventricular arrhythmia and psychiatric disorders (see sections 5 Contraindications and 6 Warnings and precautions) Children (6 years and over)
Tablets: Start with 5 mg once or twice daily (e.g. at breakfast and lunch) with weekly
increments of 5 to 10 mg. The total daily dosage should be administered in divided doses.
SR Tablets: Ritalin SR tablets have a duration of action of about 8 hours. They may therefore
be used when a prolonged effect is desired exceeding the duration of action of standard Ritalin
tablets. Ritalin SR tablets must be swallowed whole and never crushed or chewed and should be
taken after meals, preferably after a substantial breakfast (see section 11 Clinical
pharmacology).
LA Capsules: Ritalin LA (methylphenidate hydrochloride modified-release capsules) is for oral
administration once daily in the morning. The recommended starting dose of Ritalin LA is 20
mg.
Ritalin LA capsules may be administered with or without food. They may be swallowed as
whole capsules or alternatively may be administered by sprinkling the contents over a small
amount of food (see specific instructions below).
Ritalin LA capsules and/or their contents should not be crushed, chewed, or divided.
Ritalin LA administration by sprinkling capsule contents on food
The capsules may be carefully opened and the beads sprinkled over soft food (e.g. apple-sauce). The food should not be warm because this could affect the modified-release properties of this formulation. The mixture of drug and food should be consumed immediately in its entirety. The drug and food mixture should not be stored for future use. Ritalin LA, administered as a single dose, provides comparable overall exposure (AUC) of methylphenidate compared to the same total dose of Ritalin administered twice daily. Switching patients to Ritalin LA
The recommended dose of Ritalin LA in patients being switched from the immediate-release formulation or the sustained-release formulation is provided below. Table 4-1
Recommended daily dose when switching patients to Ritalin LA
Previous methylphenidate dose
Recommended Ritalin LA dose
For other methylphenidate regimens, clinical judgement should be used when selecting the starting dose. Ritalin LA dosage may be adjusted at weekly intervals in 10 mg increments. Tablets: The average daily dose is 20 to 30 mg, given in 2 to 3 divided doses.
Some patients may require 40 to 60 mg daily, while for others, 10 to 15 mg daily will be adequate. Patients who are unable to sleep if medication is taken late in the day should take the last dose before 6 p.m. SR Tablets: Ritalin SR tablets have a duration of action of about 8 hours. They may therefore
be used when a prolonged effect is desired exceeding the duration of action of standard Ritalin
tablets. Ritalin SR tablets must be swallowed whole and never crushed or chewed and should be
taken after meals, preferably after a substantial breakfast (see section 11 Clinical
pharmacology).
5. Contraindications
• Hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or to any of the excipients.
• Anxiety, tension.
• Agitation.
• Hyperthyroidism.
• Pre-existing cardiovascular disorders including severe hypertension, angina, arterial
occlusive disease; heart failure, haemodynamically significant congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathies, myocardial infarction, potentially life-threatening arrhythmias and channelopathies (disorders caused by the dysfunction of ion channels). • During treatment with non-selective, irreversible monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, or within a minimum of 2 weeks of discontinuing those drugs, due to risk of hypertensive crisis (see section 8 Interactions) • Glaucoma. • Phaeochromocytoma • Diagnosis or family history of Tourette's syndrome. Warnings and Precautions
Treatment with Ritalin is not indicated in all cases of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity disorder, and should be considered only after detailed history-taking and evaluation. The decision to prescribe Ritalin should depend on an assessment of the severity of symptoms and their appropriateness to the child's age, and not simply on the presence of one or more abnormal behavioral characteristics. Where these symptoms are associated with acute stress reactions, treatment with Ritalin is usually not indicated. Cardiovascular
Sudden Death and Pre-existing Structural Cardiac Abnormalities or Other Serious Heart
Problems
Children and Adolescents
Sudden death has been reported in association with the use of stimulants of the central nervous
system at usual doses in children and adolescents with structural cardiac abnormalities or other
serious heart problems. A casual relationship with stimulant products has not been established
since some of these conditions alone may carry an increased risk of sudden death. Stimulant
products, including Ritalin, generally should not be used in children or adolescents with known
serious structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious heart rhythm abnormalities, or
other serious cardiac problems that may increase the risk of sudden death due to
sympathomimetic effects of a stimulant drug.
Adults
Sudden deaths, stroke, and myocardial infarction have been reported in adults taking stimulant
drugs at usual doses for ADHD. Although the role of stimulants in these adult cases is also
unknown, adults have a greater likelihood than children of having serious structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious heart rhythm abnormalities, coronary artery disease, or other serious cardiac problems. Adults with such abnormalities should also generally not be treated with stimulant drugs. Before initiating Ritalin treatment, patients should be assessed for pre-existing cardiovascular disorders and a family history of sudden death and ventricular arrhythmia (see section 4 Dosage and administration) Hypertension and other Cardiovascular Conditions
Ritalin is contraindicated in patients with severe hypertension. Ritalin increases heart rate and
systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Therefore, caution is indicated in treating patients whose
underlying medical conditions might be compromised by increases in blood pressure or heart
rate, e.g., those with pre-existing hypertension. Severe cardiovascular disorders are
contraindicated (see section 5 Contraindications).
Blood pressure should be monitored at appropriate intervals in all patients taking Ritalin,
especially those with hypertension. Patients who develop symptoms suggestive of cardiac
disease during Ritalin treatment should undergo a prompt cardiac evaluation.
Assessing Cardiovascular Status in Patients being treated with Stimulant Medications
Children, adolescents, or adults who are being considered for treatment with stimulant
medications should have a careful history (including assessment for a family history of sudden
death or ventricular arrhythmia) and physical exam to assess for the presence of cardiac disease,
and should receive further cardiac evaluation if findings suggest such disease (e.g.,
electrocardiogram and echocardiogram). Patients who develop symptoms such as exertional
chest pain, unexplained syncope, or other symptoms suggestive of cardiac disease during
stimulant treatment should undergo a prompt cardiac evaluation.
Misuse and Cardiovascular Events: Misuse of stimulants of the central nervous system,
including Ritalin, may be associated with sudden death and other serious cardiovascular adverse
events.
Cerebrovascular
Cerebrovascular conditions: Patients with pre-existing central nervous system (CNS)
abnormalities, e.g., cerebral aneurysm and/or other vascular abnormalities such as vasculitis or
pre-existing stroke should not be treated with Ritalin. Patients with additional risk factors
(history of cardiovascular disease, concomitant medications that elevate blood pressure) should
be assessed regularly for neurological/psychiatric signs and symptoms after initiating treatment
with Ritalin (see above, paragraph on Cardiovascular Conditions and section 8 Interactions).
Psychiatric
Co-morbidity of psychiatric disorders in ADHD is common and should be taken into account when prescribing stimulant products. Prior to initiating treatment with Ritalin, patients should be assessed for pre-existing psychiatric disorders and a family history of psychiatric disorders (see section 4 Dosage and administration). Treatment of ADHD with stimulant products including Ritalin should not be initiated in patients with acute psychosis, acute mania or acute suicidality. These acute conditions should be treated and controlled before ADHD treatment is considered. In the case of emergent psychiatric symptoms or exacerbation of pre-existing psychiatric symptoms, Ritalin should not be given to patients unless the benefit outweighs the potential risk. Pre-existing Psychosis: Administration of stimulants may exacerbate symptoms of behavior
and thought disorder in patients with a pre-existing psychotic disorder.
Bipolar Illness: Particular care should be taken in using stimulants to treat ADHD in patients
with comorbid bipolar disorder because of concern for possible induction of a mixed/manic
episode in such patients. Prior to initiating treatment with a stimulant, patients with comorbid
depressive symptoms should be adequately screened to determine if they are at risk for bipolar
disorder; such screening should include a detailed psychiatric history, including a family history
of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression.
Emergence of New Psychotic or Manic Symptoms: Treatment emergent psychotic or manic
symptoms, e.g., hallucinations, delusional thinking, or mania in children and adolescents
without a prior history of psychotic illness or mania can be caused by stimulants at usual doses.
If such symptoms occur, consideration should be given to a possible causal role of the
stimulant, and discontinuation of treatment may be appropriate. In a pooled analysis of multiple
short-term, placebo-controlled studies, such symptoms occurred in about 0.1% (4 patients with
events out of 3482 exposed to methylphenidate or amphetamine for several weeks at usual
doses) of stimulant-treated patients compared to 0 in placebo-treated patients.
Psychotic symptoms: Psychotic symptoms, including visual and tactile hallucinations or mania
have been reported in patients administered usual prescribed doses of stimulant products,
including Ritalin (see section 7 Adverse drug reactions). Physicians should consider treatment
discontinuation.

Aggressive behaviour: Emergent aggressive behaviour or an exacerbation of baseline
aggressive behaviour has been reported during stimulant therapy, including Ritalin. However,
patients with ADHD may experience aggression as part of their medical condition. Therefore
causal association with treatment is difficult to assess. Physicians should evaluate the need for
adjustment of treatment regimen in patients experiencing these behavioural changes, bearing in
mind that upwards or downwards titration may be appropriate. Treatment interruption can be
considered.

Suicidal tendency: Patients with emergent suicidal ideation and behaviour during treatment for
ADHD should be evaluated immediately by their physician. The physician should initiate
appropriate treatment of the underlying psychiatric condition and consider a possible change in
the ADHD treatment regimen.

Tics: Ritalin is associated with the onset or exacerbation of motor and verbal tics. Worsening of
Tourette’s syndrome has also been reported (see section 7 Adverse drug reactions). Family
history should be assessed and clinical evaluation for tics or Tourette’s syndrome in children
should precede use of methylphenidate for ADHD treatment. Patients should be regularly
monitored for the emergence or worsening of tics during treatment with Ritalin
Growth retardation
Moderately reduced weight gain and slight growth retardation have been reported with the long-term use of stimulants, including Ritalin, in children (see section 7 Adverse drug reactions). Growth should be monitored as clinically necessary during treatment with Ritalin, and patients who are not growing or gaining height or weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted. Seizures
Ritalin should be used with caution in patients with epilepsy as clinical experience has shown that it can cause an increase in seizure frequency in a small number of such patients. If seizure frequency increases, Ritalin should be discontinued. Chronic abuse of Ritalin can lead to marked tolerance and psychological dependence with varying degrees of abnormal behaviour. Frank psychotic episodes may occur, especially with parenteral abuse. Clinical data indicate that children given Ritalin are not more likely to abuse drugs as adolescents or adults. Caution is called for in emotionally unstable patients, such as those with a history of drug dependence or alcoholism, because they may increase the dosage on their own initiative. Sufficient data on safety and efficacy of long term use of Ritalin in children are not yet available. Withdrawal
Careful supervision is required during drug withdrawal, since this may unmask depression as well as the effects of chronic overactivity. Some patients may require long-term follow-up. Haematological effects
The long-term safety and efficacy profiles of Ritalin are not fully known. Patients requiring long-term therapy should therefore be carefully monitored and complete and differential blood counts and a platelet count performed periodically. In the event of haematological disorders appropriate medical intervention should be considered (see section 7 Adverse drug reactions). Use in children under 6 years of age
Ritalin should not be used in children under 6 years of age, since safety and efficacy in this age group have not been established. Symptoms of visual disturbances have been encountered in rare cases. Difficulties with accommodation and blurring of vision have been reported. Patients with an element of agitation may react adversely; discontinue therapy if necessary. Driving and using machines
Ritalin may cause dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, hallucinations or other CNS side effects (see section 7 Adverse drug reactions). Patients experiencing such side effects should refrain from driving, operating machinery, or engaging in other potentially hazardous activities. Adverse drug reactions
Nervousness and insomnia are very common adverse reactions which occur at the beginning of
Ritalin treatment but can usually be controlled by reducing the dosage and/or omitting the
afternoon or evening dose.
Decreased appetite is also common but usually transient. Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting
are common, usually occur at the beginning of treatment and may be alleviated by concomitant
food intake.
Adverse reactions listed in Table 7-1 are ranked under headings of frequency, using the
following convention: very common ≥ 10%, common ≥ 1% to < 10%; uncommon ≥ 0.1% to <
1%; rare ≥ 0.01% to < 0.1%; very rare < 0.01%.
Table 7-1
Adverse reactions reported with Ritalin use
Blood and the lymphatic system disorders
Immune system disorders
Hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema and anaphylaxis Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Moderately reduced weight gain during prolonged use in children Psychiatric disorders
Hyperactivity, psychosis (sometimes with visual and tactile hallucinations), transient depressed mood. Nervous system disorders
Headache, drowsiness, dizziness, dyskinesia Convulsions, choreoathetoid movements, tics or exacerbation of existing tics and Tourette’s syndrome, cerebrovascular disorders including vasculitis, cerebral haemorrhages and cerebrovascular accidents. Eye disorders
Difficulties in visual accommodation, blurred vision Cardiac disorders
Tachycardia, palpitation, arrhythmias, changes in blood pressure and heart rate (usually an increase) Gastrointestinal disorders
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth Hepatobiliary disorders
Abnormal liver function, ranging from transaminase elevation to hepatic coma Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Rash, pruritus, urticaria, fever, scalp hair loss Thrombocytopenic purpura, exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme Musculoskeletal and connective tissue
disorders
Common Arthralgia
Very rare
General disorders and administration site
conditions
Rare
Slight growth retardation during prolonged use in children Very rare reports of poorly documented neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) have been received. In most of these reports, patients were also receiving other medications. It is uncertain what role Ritalin played in these cases. Additional adverse reactions reported with other methylphenidate-containing
products
The list below shows adverse reactions not listed for Ritalin (see Table 7-1) that have been reported with other methylphenidate-containing products based on clinical trials data and post-market spontaneous reports. Infections and infestations: Nasopharyngitis
Blood and lymphatic disorders: Pancytopenia
Immune system disorders: Hypersensitivity reactions such as auricular swelling
Psychiatric disorders: Anxiety, irritability, aggression, affect lability, agitation, abnormal
behaviour or thinking, anger, suicidal ideation or attempt (including completed suicide), mood
altered, mood swings, hypervigilance, mania, disorientation, libido disorder, apathy, repetitive
behaviours, over-focussing, confusional state, dependence, cases of abuse and dependence have
been described, more often with immediate release formulations.
Nervous system disorders: Tremor, reversible ischaemic neurological deficit, migraine
Eye disorders: Diplopia, Mydriasis, visual disturbance
Cardiac disorders: Cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction
Vascular disorders: Peripheral coldness, Raynaud's phenomenon
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Cough, pharyngolaryngeal pain, dyspnoea
Gastrointestinal disorders: Diarrhoea, constipation
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Angioneurotic oedema, hyperhidrosis, erythema,
fixed drug eruption
Musculoskeletal, connective tissue and bone disorders: Myalgia, muscle twitching
Renal and urinary disorders: Haematuria
Reproductive system and breast disorders: Gynaecomastia
General disorders and administration site conditions: Chest pain, fatigue, sudden cardiac
death
Investigations: Weight decreased, cardiac murmur
Interactions
Pharmacodynamic interactions
Anti-hypertensive drugs
Ritalin may decrease the effectiveness of drugs used to treat hypertension. Use with drugs that elevate blood pressure
Ritalin should be used with caution in patients being treated with drugs that elevate blood pressure (see also paragraph on Cerebrovascular Conditions in section 6 Warnings and precautions). Because of possible hypertensive crisis, Ritalin is contraindicated in patients being treated (currently or within the preceding 2 weeks) with non-selective, irreversible MAO-inhibitors (see section 5 Contraindications) Use with alcohol
Alcohol may exacerbate the adverse CNS effects of psychoactive drugs, including Ritalin. It is therefore advisable for patients to abstain from alcohol during treatment. Use with halogenated anaesthetics
There is a risk of sudden blood pressure increase during surgery. If surgery is planned, Ritalin should not be taken on the day of surgery. Use with centrally acting alpha-2 agonists (e.g. clonidine)
Serious adverse events including sudden death have been reported in concomitant use with clonidine, although no causality for the combination has been established. Use with domapinergic drugs
As an inhibitor of dopamine reuptake, Ritalin may be associated with pharmacodynamic interactions when co-administered with direct and indirect dopamine agonists (including DOPA and tricyclic antidepressants) as well as dopamine antagonists (antipsychotics, e.g. haloperidol). The co-administration of Ritalin with antipsychotics is not recommended because of the counteracting mechanism of action. Pharmacokinetic interactions
Ritalin is not metabolized by cytochrome P450 to a clinically relevant extent. Inducers or inhibitors of cytochrome P450 are not expected to have any relevant impact on Ritalin pharmacokinetics. Conversely, the d- and l- enantiomers of methylphenidate in Ritalin did not relevantly inhibit cytochrome P450 1A2, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1 or 3A. Ritalin co-administration did not increase plasma concentrations of the CYP2D6 substrate desipramine. Case reports suggested a potential interaction of Ritalin with coumarin anticoagulants, some anticonvulsants (e.g. phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone), phenylbutazone, and tricyclic antidepressants but pharmacokinetic interactions were not confirmed when explored at higher sample sizes. The dosage of these drugs might have to be reduced. An interaction with the anticoagulant ethylbiscoumacetate in 4 subjects was not confirmed in a subsequent study with a higher sample size (n=12). Other specific drug-drug interaction studies with Ritalin have not been performed in vivo. Drug/Laboratory test
Methylphenidate may induce false positive laboratory tests for amphetamines, particularly with immunoassays screen test. Pregnancy and Breast-feeding
Pregnancy
Studies to establish safe use of methylphenidate in pregnant women have not been conducted. Ritalin should not be given to pregnant women unless the potential benefit outweighs the risk to the foetus (see section 13 Non-clinical safety data). Breast-feeding
Case reports showed that methylphenidate was distributed into breast milk reaching a milk-to-plasma ratio of approximately 2.5 (see section 11 Clinical pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics). A decision should be made whether to abstain from breast-feeding or to abstain from Ritalin therapy, taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding to the child and the benefit of therapy to the woman. 10. Overdosage
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of acute overdosage, mainly due to overstimulation of the central and sympathetic nervous systems, may include: vomiting, agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia, muscle twitching, convulsions (possibly followed by coma), euphoria, confusion, hallucinations, delirium, sweating, flushing, headache, hyperpyrexia, tachycardia, palpitation, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, mydriasis, and dryness of mucous membranes. Management
When treating overdose, practitioners should bear in mind that a second release of methylphenidate from Ritalin LA (methylphenidate hydrochloride modified-release capsules) occurs at approximately four hours after administration. Management consists in providing supportive measures, and symptomatic treatment of life-threatening events, e.g. hypertensive crisis, cardiac arrhythmias, convulsions. For the most current guidance for treatment of symptoms of overdose, the practitioner should consult a certified Poison Control Center or current toxicological publication. Supportive measures include preventing self-injury and protecting the patient from external stimuli that would exacerbate the overstimulation already present. If the overdose is oral and the patient is conscious, the stomach could be evacuated by induction of vomiting, followed by administration of activated charcoal. Airway protected gastric lavage is necessary in hyperactive or unconscious patients, or those with depressed respiration. Intensive care must be provided to maintain adequate circulation and respiratory exchange; external cooling procedures may be required to reduce hyperpyrexia. The efficacy of peritoneal dialysis or extracorporeal haemodialysis for Ritalin overdosage has not been established. Clinical experience with acute overdosage is limited. Patients who have received doses higher than those recommended should be carefully monitored. In the event of overdose leading to clinically significant hypocalcaemia, reversal may be achieved with supplemental oral calcium and/or an infusion of calcium gluconate. 11. Clinical
pharmacology
Pharmacotherapeutic group: psychostimulants - ATC code: NO6B AO4. Pharmacodynamics (PD)
Ritalin is a racemate consisting of a 1:1 mixture of d-methylphenidate (d-MPH) and l-methylphenidate (l-MPH). Ritalin is a mild CNS stimulant with more prominent effects on mental than on motor activities. Its mode of action in man is not completely understood, but its stimulant effects are thought to be due to an inhibition of dopamine reuptake in the striatum, without triggering the release of dopamine The mechanism by which Ritalin exerts its mental and behavioural effects in children is not clearly established, nor is there conclusive evidence showing how these effects relate to the condition of the central nervous system. The l-enantiomer is thought to be pharmacologically inactive. The effect of treatment with 40 mg dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride, the pharmacologically active d-enantiomer of Ritalin, on QT/QTc interval was evaluated in a study in 75 healthy volunteers. The maximum mean prolongation of QTcF intervals was <5 ms, and the upper limit of the 90% confidence interval was below 10 ms for all time matched comparisons versus placebo. This was below the threshold of clinical concern and no exposure response relationship was evident Pharmacokinetics (PK)
Absorption
After oral administration the active substance (methylphenidate hydrochloride) is rapidly and almost completely absorbed. Owing to extensive first-pass metabolism, the absolute bioavailability was 22±8 % for the d-enantiomer and 5±3 % for the l-enantiomer. Ingestion with food has no relevant effect on absorption. Peak plasma concentrations of about 40 nmol/L (11 ng/mL) are reached on average 1 to 2 hours after administration. Peak plasma concentrations vary markedly between patients. The area under the concentration-time curve (AUC), and the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) are proportional to the dose. SR Tablets
In the fasted state, absorption of methylphenidate from Ritalin 20 mg SR tablets is 37 % slower than with the standard tablets and results in smaller fluctuations of the plasma concentration. Cmax is lower (by 40 %) and is attained later (at 3 hours) but the total amount absorbed (AUC) is the same. After a high-fat meal, both AUC (by 25 %) and Cmax (by 27 %) are significantly
higher, although the rate of absorption (Cmax/AUC ratio) remains the same. Time to Cmax (Tmax) is also slightly faster after a high-fat meal (median Tmax: 2.5 hours) as compared to without food LA Capsules
Following oral administration of Ritalin LA (modified-release capsules) to children diagnosed with ADHD and adults, methylphenidate is rapidly absorbed and produces a bi-modal plasma concentration-time profile (i.e. two distinct peaks approximately four hours apart). The relative bioavailability of Ritalin LA given once daily is comparable to the same total dose of Ritalin or methylphenidate tablets given twice a day in children and in adults. The fluctuations between peak and trough plasma methylphenidate concentrations are smaller for Ritalin LA given once a day compared to Ritalin tablets given twice a day. Food Effects
Ritalin LA may be administered with or without food. There were no differences in the bioavailability of Ritalin LA when administered with either a high-fat breakfast or applesauce, compared to administration in the fasting condition. There is no evidence of dose dumping in the presence or absence of food. For patients unable to swallow the capsule, the contents may be sprinkled on soft food such as apple-sauce and administered (see section 4 Dosage and administration). Distribution
In blood, methylphenidate and its metabolites are distributed between plasma (57 %) and erythrocytes (43 %). Binding to plasma proteins is low (10 to 33 %). The volume of distribution was 2.65±1.11 L/kg for d-MPH and 1.80±0.91 L/kg for l-MPH. Methylphenidate excretion into breast milk has been noted in two case reports, where the calculated relative infant dose was ≤0.2% of the weight adjusted maternal dose. Adverse events were not noted in either infant (6 months of age and 11 months of age). Biotransformation
Biotransformation of methylphenidate by the carboxylesterase CES1A1 is rapid and extensive. Peak plasma concentrations of the main, deesterified, metabolite - alpha-phenyl-2-piperidine acetic-acid (ritalinic acid) - are attained about 2 hours after administration and are 30 to 50 times higher than those of the unchanged substance. The half-life of alpha-phenyl-2-piperidine acetic acid is about twice that of methylphenidate, and its mean systemic clearance is 0.17 L/h/kg. Only small amounts of hydroxylated metabolites (e.g. hydroxymethylphenidate and hydroxyritalinic acid) are detectable. Therapeutic activity seems to be principally due to the parent compound. Elimination
Methylphenidate is eliminated from the plasma with a mean half-life of 2 hours. The systemic clearance is 0.40±0.12 L/h/kg for d-MPH and 0.73±0.28 L/h/kg for l-MPH. After oral administration, 78 to 97 % of the dose is excreted in the urine and 1 to 3 % in the faeces in the form of metabolites within 48 to 96 hours. Only small quantities (< 1 %) of unchanged methylphenidate appear in the urine. Most of the dose is excreted in the urine as alpha-phenyl-2-piperidine acetic acid (60 to 86 %). The elimination half-life and the cumulative urinary excretion of alpha-phenyl-2-piperidine acetic acid are not significantly different for SR tablets. Characteristics in patients
There are no apparent differences in the pharmacokinetics of methylphenidate between hyperactive children and healthy adult volunteers. Elimination data from patients with normal renal function suggest that renal excretion of unchanged methylphenidate would hardly be diminished in the presence of impaired renal function. However, renal excretion of the metabolite alpha-phenyl-2-piperidine acetic acid may be reduced. 12. Clinical
Ritalin has been used for over 40 years in the treatment of ADHD. Its effectiveness in the treatment of ADHD is well established. In addition to improving core symptoms of ADHD, methylphenidate also improves behaviours associated with ADHD such as impaired academic performance and social function. Studies in the published literature have shown Ritalin to significantly improve daytime sleepiness and cataplexy. Ritalin LA was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group clinical study in which 134 children, ages 6 to 12, with DSM-IV diagnoses of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) received a single morning dose of Ritalin LA in the range of 10-40 mg/day, or placebo, for up to 2 weeks. The optimal dose for each patient was determined in a dose titration phase of the study prior to randomization. The primary efficacy variable was the change from baseline to the final rating in the ADHD/DSM-IV Scale for Teachers (CADS-T) total subscale score. The CADS-T assesses symptoms of hyperactivity and inattention. The analysis of the primary efficacy variable showed a significant treatment difference in favor of Ritalin LA (p<0.0001). A statistically significant treatment effect for Ritalin LA relative to placebo was also found in all analyses of the secondary CADS efficacy variables, as well as in two post-hoc analyses for the ADHD diagnostic subtypes (combined type, inattentive type). The results of the primary and secondary efficacy analyses are summarized in Table 12-1. Table 012-1
ADHD/DSM-IV Subscales for teachers and parents, change from
baseline (ITT population, LOCF analysis)
Ritalin LA
CADS-T subscale
CADS-P subscale
1score at end of placebo-washout period minus final score 2standard deviation 3two patients (one in each treatment group) had no CADS-T baseline values but had post-randomization values. They are, therefore, not included in the descriptive statistics. 13. Non-clinical
Pregnancy-embryonal/fetal development
Methylphenidate is considered to be possibly teratogenic in rabbits. Spina bifida with malrotated hind limbs was observed in two separate litters at a dose of 200 mg/kg/day. Exposure (AUC) at this dose was approximately 5.1 times higher than the extrapolated exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 60 mg. Exposure at the next lower dose, wherein no spina bifida was found, was 0.7 times the extrapolated exposure at MRHD. A second study was conducted with a high dose of 300 mg/kg, which was considered maternally toxic. No spina bifida was seen in 12 litters (92 foetuses) surviving. Exposure (AUC) at 300 mg/kg was 7.5 times the extrapolated exposure at MRHD. Methylphenidate is not teratogenic in rats. Development foetal toxicity was noted at a high dose of 75 mg/kg (20.9 times higher than the exposure (AUC) at MRHD) and consisted of an increase of the instance of foetuses with delayed ossification of the skull and hyoid bones as well as foetuses with short supernumerary ribs (see section 9 Pregnancy and breast-feeding). Carcinogenesis-mutagenesis
In a lifetime carcinogenicity study carried out in B6C3F1 mice, methylphenidate caused an increase in hepatocellular adenomas (a benign tumour) and, in males only, an increase in hepatoblastomas (a malignant tumour) at daily doses of approximately 60 mg/kg/day (about 35-fold-higher than the MRHD). There was no overall increase in the number of malignant hepatic tumours. The mouse strain used is particularly sensitive to the development of hepatic tumours, and the significance of these results to humans is unknown. Similar studies in F344 rats showed no evidence of carcinogenicity. Sister chromatid exchange and chromosome aberrations were elevated in one in vitro study in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells. However, no genotoxicity effects were seen in several other assays, including no mutagenic effects in three in vitro tests (Ames reverse mutation test, mouse lymphoma forward mutation test, human lymphocyte chromosome aberration test) and no evidence of clastogenic or aneugenic effects in two in vivo mouse bone marrow cells (micronucleus tests,doses up to 250 mg/kg . B6C3F1 mice from the same strain that showed liver tumors in cancer bioassay were used in one of these studies. Additionally, there was no genotoxic potential as assessed by measuring cII mutations in the liver and micronuclei in peripheral reticulocytes in the Big Blue mouse, micronuclei in peripheral blood reticulocytes, HPRT mutations and chromosomal aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes of rhesus monkeys and pig A locus mutations in adolescent rats. Juvenile neurobehavioural development
Repeated oral administration of methylphenidate to young rats identified decreased spontaneous locomotor activity at 50 mg/kg/day (29-fold higher than the MRHD), due to an exaggerated pharmacological activity of methylphenidate. A deficit in the acquisition of a specific learning task was also observed, only in females and at the highest dose of 100 mg/kg/day (58-fold higher than the MRHD). The clinical relevance of these findings is unknown. Unlike these preclinical findings, long-term administration of methylphenidate in children with ADHD is well tolerated and improves the school performance. Thus the clinical experience does not suggest that these learning and behavioural results in rats are clinically relevant. 14. Pharmaceutical
information
Special Precautions for storage
Ritalin tablet [10 mg]:
Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture. Ritalin should be kept out of the reach and sight of children. Ritalin SR tablet [20 mg]:
Do not store above 30°C. Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture. Ritalin should be kept out of the reach and sight of children. Ritalin LA capsules [10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg and 40 mg]:
Do not store above 30°C. Keep the bottle tightly closed in order to protect from moisture. After first opening of the bottle use within 6 months. Ritalin should be kept out of the reach and sight of children. Nature and contents of container
Ritalin tablet [10 mg] and Ritalin SR tablet [20 mg]: blister. Ritalin LA capsules [10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg and 40 mg]: HDPE bottles. MANUFACTURER
Ritalin tablets (10 mg) – Novartis Farmaceutica S.A., Spain Ritalin SR tablets (20 mg) – Patheon Inc., Canada for Novartis Pharma AG, Switzerland Ritalin LA capsules (10, 20, 30, 40 mg) – Alkermes Gainesville LLA, USA for Novartis Pharma AG, Switzerland LICENCE HOLDER
Novartis Pharma Services AG, 36 Shachm St.Petach- Tikva.

Source: http://bca.co.il/novartis/RIT-API-JUL12-CL-V7.pdf