Daytrana

SHIRE

ADHD therapy approved in patch formulation

This central nervous system stimulant delivered via a transdermal patch is the first and only non-oral therapy to receive approval for the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The methylphenidate transdermal system was approved on April 6, 2006.

Safety. The methylphenidate transdermal system is contraindicated in patients with marked anxiety, tension, and agitation, since the drug may aggravate these symptoms. The methylphenidate transdermal system is also contraindicated in patients with glaucoma and in patients with motor tics or with a family history or diagnosis of Tourette's syndrome. Therapy with the methylphenidate transdermal system is contraindicated during treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within a minimum of 14 days following discontinuation of treatment with an MAOI. Sudden death has been reported in association with CNS stimulant treatment at usual doses in children with structural cardiac abnormalities. Methylphenidate should also be used with caution in patients with hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders. Use of the methylphenidate transdermal system may lead to contact sensitization, and the patch should be discontinued if contact sensitization is suspected. The most common adverse events reported in association with the methylphenidate transdermal system include nausea, vomiting, nasopharyngitis, decreased weight, anorexia, decreased appetite, affect lability, insomnia, tic, and nasal congestion.

Dosing. It is recommended that the methylphenidate transdermal system be applied to the hip area 2 hours before an effect is desired and should be removed 9 hours after application or earlier if a shorter duration of effect is desired or late-day effects occur. Application sites should be rotated with every subsequent application by using the alternate hip and by using different sites on the hip. Patients may be up-titrated on a weekly basis starting with the 10-mg methylphenidate patch; the maximum methylphenidate dose is delivered via the 30-mg patch.