Dexmethylphenidate



Focalin™; Focalin™XR







Dexmethylphenidate

(dex meth il FEN i date)

U.S. Brand Names
Focalin™; Focalin™XR
Pharmacologic Category
Central Nervous System Stimulant
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years of age.
  • Do not give this medicine to a child with both attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and Tourette's syndrome or tics.
  • If you have an allergy to dexmethylphenidate, methylphenidate, or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Drug abuse, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, nervous condition, overactive thyroid gland or structural abnormalities of the heart.
  • If you have taken isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (eg, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine) must be stopped 14 days before this medicine is started. Taking the two together could cause dangerously high blood pressure.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity.
How does it work?
  • Dexmethylphenidate has a stabilizing effect in patients with attention deficit disorder.
How is it best taken?
  • All forms:
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Long-acting products: Swallow whole. Do not chew or crush.
  • You may sprinkle contents of capsule on applesauce.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • This medicine may be habit-forming with long-term use.
  • If you have seizures, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • If you are taking this medicine and have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider before using over-the-counter products that may increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain natural products or supplements.
  • Avoid caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate intake. Use with this medicine may cause nervousness, shakiness, and fast heartbeat.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • High blood pressure.
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Nervous and excitable.
  • Belly pain.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Not hungry.
  • Inability to sleep.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly if you have heart disease.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Chest pain or pressure, fast heartbeat, or passing out.
  • Very nervous and excitable.
  • Severe headache.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from heat.
  • Protect from light.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: