METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE

Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP are a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP are available in five tablet strengths. Each extended-release tablet for once-a-day oral administration contains 18, 27, 36, 54, or 72 mg of methylphenidate HCl USP and is designed to have a 12-hour duration of effect. Chemically, methylphenidate HCl is d,l (racemic) methyl α-phenyl-2-piperidineacetate hydrochloride. Its empirical formula is C 14 H 19 NO 2 •HCl. Its structural formula is: Methylphenidate HCl USP is a white, odorless 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. Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP also contains the following inactive ingredients: black iron oxide, cellulose acetate, colloidal silicon dioxide, ferrosoferric oxide, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, phosphoric acid, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, sodium chloride, succinic acid, titanium dioxide, triacetin. In addition, 27 mg tablets contain: FD&C Yellow #6 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Blue #2 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Red #40 Aluminum Lake 54 mg tablets contain: FD&C Yellow #6 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Red #40 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Blue #2 Aluminum Lake 72 mg tablets contain: FD&C Blue #1 Aluminum Lake FDA approved dissolution test specifications differ from USP 11.1 System Components and Performance Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets use osmotic pressure to deliver methylphenidate HCl at a controlled rate. The system, which resembles a conventional tablet in appearance, comprises an osmotically active bilayer core surrounded by a semipermeable membrane with an immediate-release drug overcoat. The bilayer core is composed of a drug layer containing the drug and excipients, and a push layer containing osmotically active components. There is a precision-laser drilled orifice on the drug-layer end of the tablet. In an aqueous environment, such as the gastrointestinal tract, the drug overcoat dissolves within one hour, providing an initial dose of methylphenidate. Water permeates through the membrane into the tablet core. As the osmotically active polymer excipients expand, methylphenidate is released through the orifice. The membrane controls the rate at which water enters the tablet core, which in turn controls drug delivery. Furthermore, the drug release rate from the system increases with time over a period of 6 to 7 hours due to the drug-concentration gradient incorporated into the drug layer of core of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets. The biologically inert components of the tablet remain intact during gastrointestinal transit and are eliminated in the stool as a tablet shell along with insoluble core components. It is possible that methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets may be visible on abdominal x-rays under certain circumstances, especially when digital enhancing techniques are utilized.

Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets are indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children 6 years of age and older, adolescents, and adults up to the age of 65 [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets are a CNS stimulant indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children 6 years of age and older, adolescents, and adults up to the age of 65. ( 1 )

Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets should be taken once daily in the morning and swallowed whole with the aid of liquids. Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets should not be chewed or crushed. Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets may be taken with or without food. ( 2.2 ) For children and adolescents new to methylphenidate, the recommended starting dosage is 18 mg once daily. Dosage may be increased by 18 mg/day at weekly intervals and should not exceed 54 mg/day in children and 72 mg/day in adolescents. ( 2.3 ) For adult patients new to methylphenidate, the recommended starting dose is 18 or 36 mg/day. Dosage may be increased by 18 mg/day at weekly intervals and should not exceed 72 mg/day for adults. ( 2.3 ) For patients currently using methylphenidate, dosing is based on current dose regimen and clinical judgment. ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Pretreatment Screening Prior to treating patients with methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets, 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 tablets [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.13 )] . 2.2 Recommended Dosage Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets should be administered orally once daily in the morning with or without food. Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets must be swallowed whole with the aid of liquids, and must not be chewed, divided, or crushed [see Patient Counseling Information ( 17 )] . 2.3 Patients New to Methylphenidate The recommended starting dose of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets for patients who are not currently taking methylphenidate or stimulants other than methylphenidate is 18 mg once daily for children and adolescents and 18 or 36 mg once daily for adults (see Table 1). Table 1. Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets Recommended Starting Doses and Dose Ranges Patient Age Recommended Starting Dose Dose Range Children 6–12 years of age 18 mg/day 18 mg – 54 mg/day Adolescents 13–17 years of age 18 mg/day 18 mg – 72 mg/day not to exceed 2 mg/kg/day Adults 18–65 years of age 18 or 36 mg/day 18 mg – 72 mg/day 2.4 Patients Currently Using Methylphenidate The recommended dose of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets for patients who are currently taking methylphenidate twice daily or three times daily at doses of 10 to 60 mg/day is provided in Table 2. Dosing recommendations are based on current dose regimen and clinical judgment. Conversion dosage should not exceed 72 mg daily. Table 2. Recommended Dose Conversion from Methylphenidate Regimens to methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets Previous Methylphenidate Daily Dose Recommended methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets Starting Dose 5 mg Methylphenidate twice daily or three times daily 18 mg every morning 10 mg Methylphenidate twice daily or three times daily 36 mg every morning 15 mg Methylphenidate twice daily or three times daily 54 mg every morning 20 mg Methylphenidate twice daily or three times daily 72 mg every morning Other methylphenidate regimens: Clinical judgment should be used when selecting the starting dose. 2.5 Dose Titration Doses may be increased in 18 mg increments at weekly intervals for patients who have not achieved an optimal response at a lower dose. Daily dosages above 54 mg in children and 72 mg in adolescents have not been studied and are not recommended. Daily dosages above 72 mg in adults are not recommended. A 27 mg dosage strength is available for physicians who wish to prescribe between the 18 mg and 36 mg dosages. 2.6 Dosage Reduction and Discontinuation If paradoxical aggravation of symptoms or other adverse reactions occur, reduce dosage or, if necessary, discontinue methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets. If improvement is not observed after appropriate dosage adjustment over a one-month period, discontinue methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets.

Known hypersensitivity to the product ( 4.1 ) Do not use methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets in patients currently using or within 2 weeks of using an MAO inhibitor ( 4.2 ) 4.1 Hypersensitivity to Methylphenidate Hypersensitivity reactions, such as angioedema and anaphylactic reactions, have been observed in patients treated with methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets. Therefore, methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets are contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to methylphenidate or other components of the product [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.5 ) ] . 4.2 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets are contraindicated during treatment with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, and also within a minimum of 14 days following discontinuation of a MAO inhibitor (hypertensive crises may result) [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] .

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 )] Hypersensitivity to Methylphenidate [see Contraindications (4.1) ] Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors [see Contraindications ( 4.2 ) 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 )] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Priapism [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Peripheral Vasculopathy, including Raynaud's Phenomenon [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Long-Term Suppression of Growth in Pediatric Patients [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Potential for Gastrointestinal Obstruction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Hematologic Monitoring [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )] Increased Intraocular Pressure and Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] Motor and Verbal Tics, and Worsening of Tourette’s Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.13 )] The most common adverse reaction in double-blind clinical trials (>5%) in pediatric patients (children and adolescents) was abdominal pain upper. The most common adverse reactions in double-blind clinical trials (>5%) in adult patients were decreased appetite, headache, dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, weight decreased, irritability, and hyperhidrosis [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. The most common adverse reactions associated with discontinuation (≥1%) from either pediatric or adult clinical trials were anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and blood pressure increased [see Adverse Reactions (6.3) ]. The development program for methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets included exposures in a total of 3906 participants in clinical trials. Children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD were evaluated in 6 controlled clinical studies and 11 open-label clinical studies (see Table 3). Safety was assessed by collecting adverse events, vital signs, weights, and ECGs, and by performing physical examinations and laboratory analyses. Table 3. Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets Exposure in Double-Blind and Open-Label Clinical Studies Patient Population N Dose Range Children 2216 18 to 54 mg once daily Adolescents 502 18 to 72 mg once daily Adults 1188 18 to 108 mg once daily Adverse events during exposure were obtained primarily by general inquiry and recorded by clinical investigators using their own terminology. Consequently, to provide a meaningful estimate of the proportion of individuals experiencing adverse events, events were grouped in standardized categories using MedDRA terminology. The stated frequencies of adverse events represent the proportion of individuals who experienced, at least once, a treatment-emergent adverse event of the type listed. An event was considered treatment-emergent if it occurred for the first time or worsened while receiving therapy following baseline evaluation. Throughout this section, adverse reactions are reported. Adverse reactions are adverse events that were considered to be reasonably associated with the use of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets based on the comprehensive assessment of the available adverse event information. A causal association for methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets often cannot be reliably established in individual cases. Further, 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 clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The majority of adverse reactions were mild to moderate in severity. The most common adverse reaction in double-blind clinical trials (>5%) in children and adolescents was abdominal pain upper. The most common adverse reactions in double-blind clinical trials (>5%) in adult patients were decreased appetite, headache, dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, weight decreased, irritability, and hyperhidrosis. ( 6.1 and 6.2 ) The most common adverse reactions associated with discontinuation (≥1%) from either pediatric or adult clinical trials were anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and blood pressure increased. ( 6.3 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Trigen Laboratories, LLC at 1-800-541-4802 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Commonly Observed Adverse Reactions in Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials Adverse reactions in either the pediatric or adult double-blind adverse reactions tables may be relevant for both patient populations. Children and Adolescents Table 4 lists the adverse reactions reported in 1% or more of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets-treated children and adolescent subjects in 4 placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trials. Table 4. Adverse Reactions Reported by ≥1% of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets-Treated Children and Adolescent Subjects in 4 Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trials of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets System/Organ Class Adverse Reaction methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets (n=321) % Placebo (n=318) % Gastrointestinal Disorders Abdominal pain upper 6.2 3.8 Vomiting 2.8 1.6 General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions Pyrexia 2.2 0.9 Infections and Infestations Nasopharyngitis 2.8 2.2 Nervous System Disorders Dizziness 1.9 0 Psychiatric Disorders Insomnia Terms of Initial insomnia (methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets=0.6%) and Insomnia (methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets=2.2%) are combined into Insomnia. 2.8 0.3 Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders Cough 1.9 0.9 Oropharyngeal pain 1.2 0.9 The majority of adverse reactions were mild to moderate in severity. Adults Table 5 lists the adverse reactions reported in 1% or more of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets-treated adults in 2 placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trials. Table 5. Adverse Reactions Reported by ≥1% of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets-Treated Adult Subjects in 2 Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trials* System/Organ Class Adverse Reaction methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets (n=415) % Placebo (n=212) % Cardiac Disorders Tachycardia 4.8 0 Palpitations 3.1 0.9 Ear and Labyrinth Disorders Vertigo 1.7 0 Eye Disorders Vision blurred 1.7 0.5 Gastrointestinal Disorders Dry mouth 14.0 3.8 Nausea 12.8 3.3 Dyspepsia 2.2 0.9 Vomiting 1.7 0.5 Constipation 1.4 0.9 General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions Irritability 5.8 1.4 Infections and Infestations Upper respiratory tract infection 2.2 0.9 Investigations Weight decreased 6.5 3.3 Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders Decreased appetite 25.3 6.6 Anorexia 1.7 0 Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders Muscle tightness 1.9 0 Nervous System Disorders Headache 22.2 15.6 Dizziness 6.7 5.2 Tremor 2.7 0.5 Paresthesia 1.2 0 Sedation 1.2 0 Tension headache 1.2 0.5 Psychiatric Disorders Insomnia 12.3 6.1 Anxiety 8.2 2.4 Initial insomnia 4.3 2.8 Depressed mood 3.9 1.4 Nervousness 3.1 0.5 Restlessness 3.1 0 Agitation 2.2 0.5 Aggression 1.7 0.5 Bruxism 1.7 0.5 Depression 1.7 0.9 Libido decreased 1.7 0.5 Affect lability 1.4 0.9 Confusional state 1.2 0.5 Tension 1.2 0.5 Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders Oropharyngeal pain 1.7 1.4 Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders Hyperhidrosis 5.1 0.9 *Included doses up to 108 mg. The majority of ADRs were mild to moderate in severity. 6.2 Other Adverse Reactions Observed in methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets Clinical Trials This section includes adverse reactions reported by methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets-treated subjects in double-blind trials that do not meet the criteria specified for Table 4 or Table 5 and all adverse reactions reported by methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets-treated subjects who participated in open-label and postmarketing clinical trials. Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Leukopenia Eye Disorders: Accommodation disorder, Dry eye Vascular Disorders: Hot flush Gastrointestinal Disorders: Abdominal discomfort, Abdominal pain, Diarrhea General Disorders and Administrative Site Conditions: Asthenia, Fatigue, Feeling jittery, Thirst Infections and Infestations: Sinusitis Investigations: Alanine aminotransferase increased, Blood pressure increased, Cardiac murmur, Heart rate increased Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: Muscle spasms Nervous System Disorders: Lethargy, Psychomotor hyperactivity, Somnolence Psychiatric Disorders: Anger, Hypervigilance, Mood altered, Mood swings, Panic attack, Sleep disorder, Tearfulness, Tic Reproductive System and Breast Disorders: Erectile dysfunction Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: Dyspnea Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Rash, Rash macular Vascular Disorders: Hypertension 6.3 Discontinuation Due to Adverse Reactions Adverse reactions in the 4 placebo-controlled studies of children and adolescents leading to discontinuation occurred in 2 methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets patients (0.6%) including depressed mood (1, 0.3%) and headache and insomnia (1, 0.3%), and 6 placebo patients (1.9%) including headache and insomnia (1, 0.3%), irritability (2, 0.6%), headache (1, 0.3%), psychomotor hyperactivity (1, 0.3%), and tic (1, 0.3%). In the 2 placebo-controlled studies of adults, 25 methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets patients (6.0%) and 6 placebo patients (2.8%) discontinued due to an adverse reaction. Those events with an incidence of >0.5% in the methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets patients included anxiety (1.7%), irritability (1.4%), blood pressure increased (1.0%), and nervousness (0.7%). In placebo patients, blood pressure increased and depressed mood had an incidence of >0.5% (0.9%). In the 11 open-label studies of children, adolescents, and adults, 266 methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets patients (7.0%) discontinued due to an adverse reaction. Those events with an incidence of >0.5% included insomnia (1.2%), irritability (0.8%), anxiety (0.7%), decreased appetite (0.7%), and tic (0.6%). 6.4 Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Increases In the laboratory classroom clinical trials in children (Studies 1 and 2), both methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets once daily and methylphenidate three times daily increased resting pulse by an average of 2 to 6 bpm and produced average increases of systolic and diastolic blood pressure of roughly 1 to 4 mm Hg during the day, relative to placebo. In the placebo-controlled adolescent trial (Study 4), mean increases from baseline in resting pulse rate were observed with methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets and placebo at the end of the double-blind phase (5 and 3 beats/minute, respectively). Mean increases from baseline in blood pressure at the end of the double-blind phase for methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets and placebo-treated patients were 0.7 and 0.7 mm Hg (systolic) and 2.6 and 1.4 mm Hg (diastolic), respectively. In one placebo-controlled study in adults (Study 6), dose-dependent mean increases of 3.9 to 9.8 bpm from baseline in standing pulse rate were observed with methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets at the end of the double-blind treatment vs. an increase of 2.7 beats/minute with placebo. Mean changes from baseline in standing blood pressure at the end of double-blind treatment ranged from 0.1 to 2.2 mm Hg (systolic) and -0.7 to 2.2 mm Hg (diastolic) for methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets and was 1.1 mm Hg (systolic) and -1.8 mm Hg (diastolic) for placebo. In a second placebo-controlled study in adults (Study 5), mean changes from baseline in resting pulse rate were observed for methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets and placebo at the end of the double-blind treatment (3.6 and –1.6 beats/minute, respectively). Mean changes from baseline in blood pressure at the end of the double–blind treatment for methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets and placebo-treated patients were –1.2 and –0.5 mm Hg (systolic) and 1.1 and 0.4 mm Hg (diastolic), respectively [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ] . 6.5 Postmarketing Experience The following additional adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency: Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Pancytopenia, Thrombocytopenia, Thrombocytopenic purpura Cardiac Disorders: Angina pectoris, Bradycardia, Extrasystoles, Supraventricular tachycardia, Ventricular extrasystoles Eye Disorders: Diplopia, Increased intraocular pressure, Mydriasis, Visual impairment General Disorders: Chest pain, Chest discomfort, Drug effect decreased, Hyperpyrexia, Therapeutic response decreased Hepatobiliary Disorders: Hepatocellular injury, Acute hepatic failure Immune System Disorders: Hypersensitivity reactions such as Angioedema, Anaphylactic reactions, Auricular swelling, Bullous conditions, Exfoliative conditions, Urticarias, Pruritus NEC, Rashes, Eruptions, and Exanthemas NEC Investigations: Blood alkaline phosphatase increased, Blood bilirubin increased, Hepatic enzyme increased, Platelet count decreased, White blood cell count abnormal Musculoskeletal, Connective Tissue and Bone Disorders: Arthralgia, Myalgia, Muscle twitching, Rhabdomyolysis Nervous System Disorders: Convulsion, Grand mal convulsion, Dyskinesia, Serotonin syndrome in combination with serotonergic drugs, Motor and Verbal Tics Psychiatric Disorders: Disorientation, Hallucination, Hallucination auditory, Hallucination visual, Mania, Logorrhea, Libido changes Reproductive System and Breast Disorders: Priapism Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Alopecia, Erythema Vascular Disorders: Raynaud's phenomenon

Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets may increase blood pressure; use cautiously with vasopressors ( 7.2 ) Inhibition of metabolism of coumarin anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, and some antidepressants ( 7.3 ) 7.1 MAO Inhibitors Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets should not be used in patients being treated (currently or within the preceding 2 weeks) with MAO inhibitors [see Contraindications ( 4.2 )] . 7.2 Vasopressor Agents Because of possible increases in blood pressure, methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets should be used cautiously with vasopressor agents [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . 7.3 Coumarin Anticoagulants, Antidepressants, and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors Human pharmacologic studies have shown that methylphenidate may inhibit the metabolism of coumarin anticoagulants, anticonvulsants (e.g., phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone), and some antidepressants (tricyclics and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Downward dose adjustment of these drugs may be required when given concomitantly with methylphenidate. It may be necessary to adjust the dosage and monitor plasma drug concentrations (or, in the case of coumarin, coagulation times), when initiating or discontinuing concomitant methylphenidate. 7.4 Halogenated Anesthetics Concomitant use of halogenated anesthetics and methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets may increase the risk of sudden blood pressure and heart rate increase during surgery. Monitor blood pressure and avoid use of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets in patients being treated with anesthetics on the day of surgery. 7.5 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.