uses
What is transdermal methylphenidate used for?Transdermal methylphenidate is commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It may help improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity in people with ADHD.Transdermal methylphenidate may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.How does transdermal methylphenidate work (mechanism of action)?Transdermal methylphenidate belongs to a group of medicines called stimulants. It may work by increasing levels of natural brain chemicals, such as norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals play a role in attention, focus, and impulse control.  How is transdermal methylphenidate supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesDaytranaDosage forms and strengths10 mg/9 hr transdermal system (patch)15 mg/9 hr transdermal system (patch)20 mg/9 hr transdermal system (patch)30 mg/9 hr transdermal system (patch)Methylphenidate is also available in several forms that are taken by mouth. See Methylphenidate for more information.  How should I store transdermal methylphenidate?Transdermal methylphenidate should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry, and safe place, such as a locked cabinet. Do not store it in the refrigerator or freezer.  Transdermal methylphenidate comes in individual pouches. Keep the patch in its sealed pouch until you are ready to use it. The patches are stored in sealed trays. Once the sealed tray is open, use the patches within two months. Throw away any expired, unwanted, or unused transdermal methylphenidate by following the instructions that come with your product. Avoid touching the sticky part of the patch. Ask your pharmacist or other health care provider if you are not sure how to throw away the patches safely.
how to use
patch that is applied to the skin
drug interactions
Does transdermal methylphenidate interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between transdermal methylphenidate and foods or drinks.It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect transdermal methylphenidate. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while using transdermal methylphenidate.Does transdermal methylphenidate interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using transdermal methylphenidate.A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past two weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s diseaseA medicine for high blood pressureWarfarin, which is a blood thinnerAny medicine for seizures, such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, or primidoneA tricyclic antidepressant, such as clomipramine, desipramine, or imipramine, even if it is not used for depressionA selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, or sertraline, which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depressionAn anesthetic, which is a medicine that is used to put you to sleep before surgeryRisperidone, which is a medicine used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability seen with autismThis may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with transdermal methylphenidate. Always check with your health care provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of transdermal methylphenidate?The most common side effects of transdermal methylphenidate are listed below. These side effects may vary based on your age. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Decreased or loss of appetiteTrouble sleepingNausea and vomitingWeight lossTics, which are sudden, repetitive movements (see below)Sudden and frequent mood swingsDizzinessStomach painRedness, irritation, or itching where the patch is appliedThere may be other side effects of transdermal methylphenidate that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of transdermal methylphenidate?While less common, the most serious side effects of transdermal methylphenidate are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Transdermal methylphenidate may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using transdermal methylphenidate and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painRisk of Misuse and Addiction. Misusing transdermal methylphenidate can lead to serious side effects, such as substance use problems, overdose, or death. Misuse means using a medicine in a way other than how it was prescribed. Transdermal methylphenidate can also cause physical dependence, which means your body relies on the medicine. Use transdermal methylphenidate exactly as prescribed. Tell your health care provider if you feel that transdermal methylphenidate is not working. Call your health care provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following serious symptoms.Sudden confusion or feeling disorientedFeeling paranoidSuicidal thoughts or actionsSeizuresTrouble breathingIncreased Blood Pressure and Heart Rate. Transdermal methylphenidate may increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your blood pressure and heart rate before starting transdermal methylphenidate and during treatment. If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 or higher, get medical attention right away. Also call your health care provider or get medical attention right away if you have chest pain, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or if you faint or feel your heartbeat more than usual. Behavior, Thought, or Mood Changes. Transdermal methylphenidate may cause or worsen psychotic-like behaviors, such as hallucinations or mania. People who already have a mental health condition, such as bipolar disorder, may be at higher risk of these side effects. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms, or if you have been told by others you have these symptoms.Hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, or otherwise perceiving things that others do notDelusional thoughts, such as false beliefs that you are being controlledDisorganized thoughts, such as jumping between topics or having a hard time focusingSudden decline in self-care, such as personal hygiene or academic/work performanceAggressive behaviorVery increased energySignificant trouble sleepingRacing, fast-paced thoughtsReckless behaviorUnusually grand ideasExcessive happiness or irritabilityTalking more or faster than usualSeizures. Some people who have used transdermal methylphenidate have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop using transdermal methylphenidate and call your health care provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movementsStiffening of your arms and legsFeeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dreadFeeling dizzy or lightheadedFalling or losing consciousnessPainful, Prolonged Erection (Priapism). Transdermal methylphenidate may cause an unwanted erection that is persistent, painful, and that may occur without sexual arousal. Permanent damage to the penis may occur if priapism is not treated quickly. Stop using transdermal methylphenidate and get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of priapism. Erection lasting for more than 4 hours Erection that is unrelated to sexual stimulationPainful or tender penisBlood Flow Problems. Transdermal methylphenidate may cause blood flow problems, including a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon, which occurs when the blood vessels in your fingers and toes overreact and lead to low blood flow. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.Fingers or toes feeling numb, cool, painful, or sensitive to coldFingers or toes changing color from pale to blue to redUnexplained wounds on fingers or toesSlowed Growth in Children. Children using transdermal methylphenidate may be at a higher risk of not gaining height and weight as expected. Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your child’s height and weight before starting and while using transdermal methylphenidate.Loss of Skin Color. Transdermal methylphenidate can cause a loss of skin color (pigmentation) at or near where the patch is applied, or sometimes in another location. The loss of skin color may be permanent. Call your health care provider right away if you notice any changes in skin color. Allergic Skin Reaction. Transdermal methylphenidate may cause an allergic skin reaction near where it is applied. Redness or irritation are common side effects of transdermal methylphenidate, but they can sometimes be signs of a more serious reaction. Stop using transdermal methylphenidate and call your health care provider right away if you have any swelling, bumps, or blisters.Glaucoma. Transdermal methylphenidate may increase pressure inside the eye and cause or worsen glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. People who have problems with close-up vision (farsightedness) may be at higher risk. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of glaucoma.Changes in vision, including loss of visionEye pain or rednessSevere headache or vomitingSeeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)Tics. Transdermal methylphenidate may cause or worsen tics, which are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds that can be hard to control. Call your health care provider right away if you have any new or worsening tics.
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much transdermal methylphenidate?If you or someone else has used too much transdermal methylphenidate, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of transdermal methylphenidate?If you do not apply transdermal methylphenidate at your usual time, you can apply the patch later in the day. You should still remove the patch at the usual time to limit the risk of side effects later in the day, such as trouble sleeping. Do not use double or extra doses.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use transdermal methylphenidate?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use transdermal methylphenidate.DaytranaMethylphenidateAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific transdermal methylphenidate products they stock.Drug Interactions. Transdermal methylphenidate should not be used while you are using certain other medicines. Before using transdermal methylphenidate, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.What should I know about transdermal methylphenidate before using it?Do not use transdermal methylphenidate unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.Do not share transdermal methylphenidate with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.Keep transdermal methylphenidate out of the reach of children. Transdermal methylphenidate is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store transdermal methylphenidate in a safe place to protect it from theft. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.Do not use heat sources, such as hair dryers, heating pads, electric blankets, and heated water beds, on or near the area where you are wearing transdermal methylphenidate. Heat can increase the amount of methylphenidate your body absorbs, which may increase your risk of serious side effects.Read and follow the instructions that come with your medicine to make sure you know how to apply, use, and throw away transdermal methylphenidate correctly. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.Apply transdermal methylphenidate to the hip area. Alternate where you apply the patch every day. Do not wear transdermal methylphenidate for more than nine hours after applying it. Wearing transdermal methylphenidate while bathing, showering, or swimming can cause the patch to not stick as well. However, do not use bandages, tape, or glue to hold transdermal methylphenidate in place. Ask your health care provider what to do if your patch does not fully stick to your skin or falls off.Do not cut transdermal methylphenidate.Keep all appointments, including for blood tests and heart checkups, before and during treatment with transdermal methylphenidate. This will help your health care provider make sure it is safe for you to use transdermal methylphenidate.What should I tell my health care provider before using transdermal methylphenidate?Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if transdermal methylphenidate is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Substance Use Disorder. Tell your health care provider if you have ever misused alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs. Transdermal methylphenidate has a risk of being misused.Mental Health Problems. Tell your health care provider if you or anyone in your family has had mental health problems, including psychosis, bipolar disorder, mania, depression, or suicide. Transdermal methylphenidate may worsen certain mental health conditions.Heart Problems. People who have serious heart disease or heart defects may be at risk of sudden death if they use transdermal methylphenidate. Tell your health care provider if you have any heart problems, including heart disease, heart defects, cardiomyopathy, or an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). Also tell your health care provider if anyone in your family has heart problems.Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.High blood pressureSeizures or abnormal EEG (brain wave test) resultsProblems with circulation in your fingers or toesSkin problems, such as eczema, psoriasis, or have had a reaction to soap, makeup, lotion, or gluePersonal or family history of vitiligo (loss of skin color)Eye problems, including increased pressure in your eye, glaucoma, or problems with close-up vision (farsightedness)Tics (repeated movements or sounds), Tourette syndrome, or a family history of tics or Tourette syndromePregnancy. It is not known if or how transdermal methylphenidate could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use transdermal methylphenidate while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while using transdermal methylphenidate, you can sign up for the National Pregnancy Registry for ADHD Medications by calling 866-961-2388 or at womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry/adhd-medications. This registry collects safety information about the use of ADHD medicines during pregnancy.Breastfeeding. Transdermal methylphenidate passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use transdermal methylphenidate while breastfeeding.
about
Transdermal methylphenidate is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It may work by increasing natural chemicals in the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. Common side effects may include decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, nausea and vomiting, or weight loss. Transdermal methylphenidate is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store transdermal methylphenidate in a safe place to protect it from theft. Before using transdermal methylphenidate, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have and medicines you take.