METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE

Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules contain methylphenidate hydrochloride, a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules contain multi layered beads, which are composed of an immediate-release layer which contains approximately 40% of the methylphenidate dose, and a controlled release layer which contains approximately 60% of the methylphenidate dose. Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules are available in seven capsule strengths. Each extended-release capsule for once-a-day oral administration contains 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, or 60 mg of methylphenidate HCl USP, which is equivalent to 8.6 mg, 13.0 mg, 17.3 mg, 25.9 mg, 34.6 mg, 43.2 mg, or 51.9 mg of methylphenidate free base, respectively. Chemically, methylphenidate HCl is d,l (racemic) methyl α-phenyl-2-piperidineacetate hydrochloride. Its molecular formula is C 14 H 19 NO 2 ∙HCl. Its structural formula is: Methylphenidate hydrochloride USP is a white to off-white, odorless, fine crystalline powder. Its solutions are acid to litmus. It is freely soluble in water and in methanol, soluble in alcohol, and slightly soluble in chloroform and in acetone. Its molecular weight is 269.77. Inactive Ingredients: ammonio methacrylate copolymer, type B; colloidal silicon dioxide (added if necessary); gelatin; hypromelloses; methacrylic acid copolymer, type C; polyethylene glycol; sugar spheres; talc; titanium oxide; and triethyl citrate. Each strength capsule also contains colorant ingredients in the capsule shell as follows: 10 mg: FD&C Blue No. 1 15 mg: D&C Red No. 28, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Red No. 40 20 mg: D&C Red No. 33, D&C Yellow No. 10 30 mg: FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 3 40 mg: D&C Red No. 28, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40 50 mg: D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Green No. 3 60 mg: Black Iron Oxide Chemical Structure

Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules are indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD ) in patients 6 years and older [see Clinical Studies (14) ]. Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules are a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in patients 6 years and older. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use : The use of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules is not recommended in pediatric patients younger than 6 years of age because they had higher plasma exposure and a higher incidence of adverse reactions (e.g., weight loss) than patients 6 years and older at the same dosage. ( 5.7 , 8.4 ) Limitations of Use The use of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules is not recommended in pediatric patients younger than 6 years of age because they had higher plasma exposure and a higher incidence of adverse reactions(e.g., weight loss) than patients 6 years and older at the same dosage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) , Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ].

Recommended starting dose for patients 6 years and older: 10 mg once daily with or without food in the morning. Dosage may be increased weekly in increments of 10 mg per day. Daily dosage above 60 mg is not recommended. ( 2.1 ) Capsules may be swallowed whole or opened and the entire contents sprinkled onto applesauce. ( 2.1 ) 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.

Hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or other components of the product. Hypersensitivity reactions such as angioedema and anaphylactic reactions have been reported in patients treated with methylphenidate products [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. Concomitant treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and also within 14 days following discontinuation of treatment with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, because of the risk of hypertensive crisis [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . Known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or product components. ( 4 ) Concurrent treatment with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or use of an MAOI within the preceding 14 days. ( 4 )

The following are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , and Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2 , 9.3) ] Hypersensitivity to Methylphenidate [see Contraindications (4) ] Hypertensive Crisis with Concomitant Use of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors [see Contraindications (4) and Drug Interactions (7.1) ] Risks to Patients with Serious Cardiac Disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Increased Blood Pressure and Heart Rate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Psychiatric Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Priapism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Peripheral Vasculopathy, including Raynaud's Phenomenon [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Long-Term Suppression of Growth in Pediatric Patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Increased Intraocular Pressure and Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Motor and Verbal Tics, and Worsening of Tourette's Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] The most common adverse reactions in double-blind clinical trials (> 5% and twice the rate of placebo) in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years were abdominal pain, decreased appetite, headache and insomnia. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Rhodes Pharmaceuticals at (1-888-827-0616); or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch 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. Adverse Reactions in Studies with Other Methylphenidate Products in Children, Adolescents, and Adults with ADHD Commonly reported (≥2% of the methylphenidate group and at least twice the rate of the placebo group) adverse reactions from placebo-controlled trials of methylphenidate products include: decreased appetite, decreased weight, nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, dry mouth, vomiting, insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, affect lability, agitation, irritability, dizziness, vertigo, tremor, blurred vision, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, tachycardia, palpitations, hyperhidrosis, and pyrexia. Adverse Reactions in Studies with Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules in Pediatric Patients with ADHD The safety data in this section is based on data from two one-week controlled clinical studies of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules in pediatric patients with ADHD, one in children ages 6 to 12 years (RP-BP-EF001, hereafter "Study 1"), and one in children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 years (RP-BP-EF002, hereafter "Study 2"). Two methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules clinical studies evaluated a total of 256 patients with ADHD. Two hundred and forty-three (243) patients participated in the double-blind phase of these two clinical studies. Study 1 was a randomized, double-blind, single center, placebo-controlled, flexible-dose, cross-over study to evaluate the time of onset, duration of efficacy, tolerability and safety of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, or 40 mg administered for one week in 26 pediatric patients aged 6 to 12 years who met DSM-IV criteria for ADHD [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . Most Common Adverse Reactions (incidence of ≥ 5% and at a rate at least twice placebo): abdominal pain, pyrexia and headache. Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation: No subjects discontinued due to adverse reactions during the double-blind phase of this study. Study 2 was a randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled, parallel group, fixed-dose study of 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules administered for one week in 221 pediatric patients (6 to 17 years of age) who met DSM-IV criteria for ADHD [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . Most Common Adverse Reactions (incidence of ≥ 5% and at a rate of at least twice placebo): abdominal pain, decreased appetite, headache and insomnia. Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation: Two patients (4.4%) in the methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules 40 mg group discontinued due to insomnia, nausea and rapid heart rate, respectively during the double-blind phase of the study. Table 1: Common Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 2% of Pediatric Patients (6 to 17 years of age) with ADHD Taking Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules and at a Rate Greater than Placebo (Study 2) System Organ Class Adverse Reaction Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules (n=183) Placebo (n=47) Nervous System Disorders Headache 10.9% 8.5% Insomnia 9.8% 2.1% Dizziness 2.2% 2.1% Gastrointestinal Disorders Abdominal pain upper 8.2% 0% Nausea 3.8% 2.1% Vomiting 3.8% 0% Metabolism and Nutritional Decreased Appetite 4.9% 0% 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

Antihypertensive Drugs: Monitor blood pressure. Adjust dosage of antihypertensive drug as needed. ( 7 ) 7.1 Clinically Important Interactions with Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Do not administer methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules concomitantly or within 14 days after discontinuing MAOI treatment. Concomitant use of MAOIs and CNS stimulants can cause hypertensive crisis. Potential outcomes include death, stroke, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, ophthalmological complications, eclampsia, pulmonary edema, and renal failure [see Contraindications (4) ]. Antihypertensive Drugs Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules may decrease the effectiveness of drugs used to treat hypertension. Monitor blood pressure and adjust the dosage of the antihypertensive drug as needed [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Halogenated Anesthetics Concomitant use of halogenated anesthetics and methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules may increase the risk of sudden blood pressure and heart rate increase during surgery. Avoid use of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules in patients being treated with anesthetics on the day of surgery. Risperidone Combined use of methylphenidate with risperidone when there is a change, whether an increase or decrease, in dosage of either or both medications, may increase the risk of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). Monitor for signs of EPS.

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).