Metadate Drug Information

Generic name: METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE

Save on Metadate at your pharmacy Compare prices near you and start saving today—no enrollment required.
See Prices

Uses of Metadate

METADATE CD is indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in pediatric patients 6 to 15 years of age. Limitations of Use The use of METADATE CD 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.

Dosage & Administration of Metadate

Pretreatment Screening Prior to treating patients with METADATE CD, assess: The risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. For the presence of cardiac disease (e.g., perform a careful history, family history of sudden death or ventricular arrhythmia, and physical exam). The risk for developing a manic episode (e.g., history of depressive symptoms or a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, or depression).

For a family history for tics or Tourette syndrome and clinically evaluate patients for motor or verbal tics or Tourette’s syndrome.

Dosage Recommendations

The recommended starting dose of METADATE CD is 20 mg once daily. Dosage may be adjusted in weekly 10 mg to 20 mg increments to the maximum recommended dose of 60 mg per day. Dosage should be individualized according to the needs and responses of the patient.

Administration Instructions Administer METADATE

CD orally once daily in the morning, before breakfast. Swallow the capsule whole with the aid of liquids. Alternatively, open the capsule and sprinkle the contents onto a small amount (tablespoon) of applesauce and administer immediately.

Do not store for future use. Drink fluids following the intake of the sprinkled capsule contents with applesauce. The capsules and the capsule contents must not be crushed or chewed.

Dosage Reduction and Discontinuation

If paradoxical aggravation of symptoms or other adverse reactions occur, reduce dosage or, if necessary, discontinue METADATE CD. If improvement is not observed after appropriate dosage adjustment over a one-month period, discontinue METADATE CD.

Switching from a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor

Must wait at least 14 days after stopping a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor before starting METADATE CD.

Side Effects of Metadate

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 practice. Clinical trials experience with METADATE CD included 188 pediatric patients 6 to 15 years old with ADHD exposed to METADATE CD. Patients received METADATE CD 20 mg, 40 mg, and/or 60 mg per day.

Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation of Treatment In the 3-week placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial, two METADATE CD-treated patients (1%) and no placebo-treated patients discontinued due to an adverse reaction (rash and pruritus; and headache, abdominal pain, and dizziness, respectively). Most Common Adverse Reactions The most common adverse reactions that occurred in 5% or more of patients treated with METADATE CD in a pool of Studies 1, 2 and 3 (ages 6 to 15 years) where the incidence in patients treated with METADATE CD was at least twice the incidence in placebo-treated patients were anorexia and insomnia. 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.

Adverse Reactions with METADATE CD Blood and the lymphatic system disorders: thrombocytopenia Cardiac disorders: cardiac arrest, sudden death Immune system disorders: angioedema Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: rhabdomyolysis Psychiatric disorders: abnormal behavior, aggression, anxiety, irritability, obsessive-compulsive disorder, suicidal behavior (including completed suicide), libido changes, serotonin syndrome in combination with serotonergic drugs Nervous System Disorder: migraine, reversible ischemic neurological deficit, bruxism Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: fixed drug eruption Vascular disorders: peripheral coldness, Raynaud’s phenomenon Adverse Reactions with Other Methylphenidate HCl Products Blood and the lymphatic system disorders: leukopenia, anemia, pancytopenia Cardiac disorders: palpitations; increased blood pressure, tachycardia, angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, bradycardia, extrasystole Eye disorders: blurred vision, difficulties in visual accommodation, diplopia, increased intraocular pressure, mydriasis Gastrointestinal disorders: nausea, abdominal pain, dry mouth, vomiting, dyspepsia, diarrhea, constipation General Disorders: fatigue, hyperpyrexia Hepatobiliary disorders: abnormal liver function, ranging from transaminase elevation to severe hepatic injury Immune system disorders: hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis, auricular swelling, bullous conditions, eruptions, exanthemas Infections and infestations: nasopharyngitis Metabolism and nutrition disorders: decreased appetite, reduced weight gain and suppression of growth during prolonged use in pediatric patients Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: arthralgia, muscle cramps, myalgia, muscle twitching Nervous System Disorder: nervousness, dizziness, headache, dyskinesia, including choreoatheetoid movements, drowsiness, tremor, convulsions, cerebrovascular disorders (including vasculitis, cerebral hemorrhages and cerebrovascular accidents), serotonin syndrome in combination with serotonergic drugs, motor and verbal tics Psychiatric disorders: depressed mood, restlessness, agitation, psychosis (sometimes with visual and tactile hallucinations), affect liability, mania, disorientation Renal and urinary disorders: hematuria Reproductive system and breast disorders: gynecomastia Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: pharyngolaryngeal pain, dyspnea, cough Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: scalp hair loss, hyperhidrosis, angioneurotic edema, erythema, exfoliative dermatitis, thrombocytopenic purpura, urticaria, erythema multiforme rash Urogenital disorders: priapism Vascular disorders: isolated cases of cerebral arteritis and/or occlusion

Table 2: Adverse Reactions (≥5% and Greater than Placebo) in Pediatric Patients Ages 6 to 15 Years Receiving METADATE CD in Pooled Three to Four Week Trials
Body SystemPreferred TermMETADATE CD (n=188) %Placebo (n=190) %
GeneralHeadache128
Abdominal Pain (stomachache)74
Digestive SystemAnorexia92
Nervous SystemInsomnia52

Warnings & Cautions for Metadate

Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction METADATE CD has a high potential for abuse and misuse. The use of METADATE CD exposes individuals to the risks of abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including METADATE CD, can result in overdose and death, and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection.

Prior to treating patients with METADATE CD, assess for the presence of cardiac disease (e.g., perform a careful history, family history of sudden death or ventricular arrhythmia, and physical exam). Before prescribing METADATE CD, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Educate patients and their families about these risks and proper disposal of any unused drug.

Advise patients to store METADATE CD in a safe place, preferably locked, and instruct patients to not give METADATE CD to anyone else. Throughout METADATE CD treatment, reassess each patient’s risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction.

Risks to Patients with Serious Cardiac Disease

Sudden death has been reported in patients with structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious cardiac disease who were treated with CNS stimulants at the recommended dosage. Avoid METADATE CD use in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious cardiac arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, or other serious cardiac problems.

Increased Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

CNS stimulants cause an increase in blood pressure (mean increase approximately 2 to 4 mmHg) and heart rate (mean increase approximately 3 to 6 bpm). Some patients may have larger increases. Monitor all METADATE CD treated patients for hypertension and tachycardia.

Psychiatric Adverse Reactions Exacerbation of Pre-Existing Psychosis in Patients with a Psychotic Disorder CNS stimulants, including METADATE CD, may exacerbate symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder in patients with a pre-existing psychotic disorder. Induction of a Manic Episode in Patients with Bipolar Disorder CNS stimulants, including METADATE CD, may induce a manic or mixed episode in patients with bipolar disorder. Prior to initiating METADATE CD treatment, screen patients for risk factors for developing a manic episode (e.g., comorbid or history of depressive symptoms or a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, or depression).

New Psychotic or Manic Symptoms in Patients without a History of a Bipolar or Psychotic Disorder CNS stimulants, including METADATE CD, at the recommended dosages, may cause psychotic or manic symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusional thinking, or mania) in patients without a prior history of psychotic illness or mania. In a pooled analysis of multiple short-term, placebo-controlled studies of CNS stimulants, psychotic or manic symptoms occurred in approximately 0.1% of CNC stimulant-treated patients, compared to 0% of placebo-treated patients. If such symptoms occur, consider discontinuing METADATE CD.

Priapism Prolonged and painful erections, sometimes requiring surgical intervention, have been reported with methylphenidate use in both adult and pediatric male patients. Although priapism was not reported with methylphenidate initiation, it developed after some time on methylphenidate, often subsequent to an increase in dosage. Priapism also occurred during methylphenidate withdrawal (drug holidays or during discontinuation).

METADATE CD-treated patients who develop abnormally sustained or frequent and painful erections should seek immediate medical attention.

Peripheral

Vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s Phenomenon CNS stimulants, including METADATE CD, used to treat ADHD are associated with peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon. Signs and symptoms of these cases of peripheral vasculopathy were usually intermittent and mild; however, sequelae have included digital ulceration and/or soft tissue breakdown. Effects of peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon, were observed in post-marketing reports and at the therapeutic dosages of CNS stimulants in all age groups throughout the course of treatment.

Signs and symptoms generally improved after dosage reduction in or discontinuation of the CNS stimulant. Careful observation for digital changes is necessary during METADATE CD treatment. Further clinical evaluation (e.g., rheumatology referral) may be appropriate for METADATE CD-treated patients who develop signs of symptoms of peripheral vasculopathy.

Long-Term Suppression of Growth in Pediatric Patients METADATE CD is not approved for use and is not recommended in pediatric patients below 6 years of age. CNS stimulants have been associated with weight loss and slowing of growth rate in pediatric patients. Careful follow-up of weight and height in children ages 7 to 10 years who were randomized to either methylphenidate or non- medication treatment groups over 14 months, as well as in naturalistic subgroups of newly methylphenidate-treated and non- medication treated children over 36 months (to the ages of 10 to 13 years), suggests that pediatric patients who received methylphenidate treatment for 7 days per week throughout the year had a temporary slowing in growth rate (on average, a total of about 2 cm less growth in height and 2.7 kg less growth in weight over 3 years), without evidence of growth rebound during this development period.

Closely monitor growth (weight and height) in METADATE CD-treated pediatric patients. Pediatric patients who are not growing or gaining height or weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted.

Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma There have been reports of angle closure glaucoma associated with methylphenidate treatment. Although the mechanism is not clear, METADATE CD-treated patients considered at risk for acute angle closure glaucoma (e.g., patients with significant hyperopia) should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist.

Increased Intraocular Pressure and Glaucoma There have been reports of an elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) associated with methylphenidate treatment. Prescribe METADATE CD to patients with open-angle glaucoma or abnormally increased IOP only if the benefit of treatment is considered to outweigh the risk. Closely monitor METADATE CD-treated patients with a history of abnormally increased IOP or open angle glaucoma.

Motor and Verbal Tics, and Worsening of Tourette’s Syndrome

CNS stimulants, including methylphenidate, have been associated with the onset or exacerbation of motor and verbal tics. Worsening of Tourette’s syndrome has also been reported. Before initiating METADATE CD, assess the family history for tics or Tourette’s syndrome and clinically evaluate patients for tics or Tourette’s syndrome.

Regularly monitor METADATE CD-treated patients for the emergence or worsening of tics or Tourette’s syndrome, and discontinue treatment if clinically appropriate.

Drug Interactions with Metadate

Table 3 describes clinically significant drug interactions with METADATE CD. Table 3: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions METADATE CD may decrease effectiveness of drugs used to treat hypertension.: Monitor blood pressure. Adjust dosage of antihypertensive drug as needed See Full Prescribing Information, for additional clinically significant drug interactions.

Table 3: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
Prevention or ManagementConcomitant use of METADATE CD with MAOIs or within 14 days after discontinuing an MAOI is contraindicated.
Mechanism and Clinical Effect(s)Concomitant use of MAOIs and CNS stimulants, including METADATE CD, can cause hypertensive crisis. Potential outcomes include death, stroke, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, ophthalmological complications, eclampsia, pulmonary edema, and renal failure.
Antihypertensive Drugs
Prevention or ManagementIncrease monitoring for blood pressure and adjust the dosage of the antihypertensive drug, as needed.
Mechanism and Clinical Effect(s)METADATE CD may decrease effectiveness of drugs used to treat hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )].
Halogenated Anesthetics
Prevention or ManagementAvoid use of METADATE CD in patients being treated with anesthetics on the day of surgery.
Mechanism and Clinical Effect(s)Concomitant use of halogenated anesthetics and METADATE CD may increase the risk of sudden blood pressure and heart rate increase during surgery.
Risperidone
Prevention or ManagementMonitor for signs of extrapyramidal symptoms.
Mechanism and Clinical Effect(s)The risk of risperidone-associated extrapyramidal symptoms may increase in patients taking concomitant METADATE CD when there is a change in the METADATE CD or risperidone dosage.

Pregnancy Safety for Metadate

Pregnancy There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to ADHD medications, including METADATE CD, during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychostimulants at 1-866-961-2388. Risk Summary Published studies and postmarketing reports on methylphenidate use during pregnancy have inconsistent findings about a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes.

There are risks to the fetus associated with the use of central nervous system (CNS) stimulants during pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations ). No effects on morphological development were observed in embryo-fetal development studies with oral administration of methylphenidate to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at doses up to 10 and 15 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 60 mg/day given to adolescents on a mg/m 2 basis. However, spina bifida was observed in rabbits at a dose 53 times the MRHD given to adolescents.

A decrease in pup body weight was observed in a pre-and post-natal development study with oral administration of methylphenidate to rats throughout pregnancy and lactation at doses 6 times the MRHD given to adolescents (see Data ). The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in those with ADHD is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes.

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is respectively. Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions CNS stimulants, such as METADATE CD, can cause vasoconstriction and thereby decrease placental perfusion. No fetal and/or neonatal adverse reactions have been reported with the use of therapeutic doses of methylphenidate during pregnancy; however, premature delivery and low birth weight infants have been reported in amphetamine-dependent mothers.

Animal Data In embryo-fetal development studies conducted in rats and rabbits, methylphenidate was administered orally at doses of up to 75 and 200 mg/kg/day, respectively, during the period of organogenesis. Malformations (increased incidence of fetal spina bifida) were observed in rabbits at the highest dose, which is approximately 52 times the MRHD of 60 mg/day given to adolescents on a mg/m 2 basis. The no effect level for embryo-fetal development in rabbits was 60 mg/kg/day (15 times the MRHD given to adolescents on a mg/m 2 basis).

There was no evidence of morphological development effects in rats, although increased incidences of fetal skeletal variations were seen at the highest dose level (10 times the MRHD of 60 mg/day given to adults on a mg/m 2 basis), which was also maternally toxic. The no effect level for embryo-fetal development in rats was 25 mg/kg/day (3 times the MRHD on a mg/m 2 basis). When methylphenidate was administered to rats throughout pregnancy and lactation at doses of up to 45 mg/kg/day, offspring body weight gain was decreased at the highest dose (6 times the MRHD of 60 mg/day given to adults on a mg/m 2 basis), but no other effects on postnatal development were observed.

The no effect level for pre-and postnatal development in rats was 15 mg/kg/day (~2 times the MRHD given to adolescents on a mg/m 2 basis).

Pediatric Use of Metadate

Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of Metadate CD have not been established in pediatric patients below the age of 6 years. In studies evaluating extended-release methylphenidate products, patients 4 to <6 years of age had higher systemic methylphenidate exposures than those observed in older pediatric patients at the same dosage. Pediatric patients 4 to <6 years of age also had a higher incidence of adverse reactions, including weight loss.

The safety and effectiveness of Metadate CD for the treatment of ADHD have been established in pediatric patients 6 to 15 years of age. Long-Term Suppression of Growth Growth should be monitored during treatment with stimulants, including Metadate CD. Pediatric patients who are not growing or gaining weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted.

Juvenile Animal Toxicity Data In a study conducted in young rats, methylphenidate was administered orally at doses of up to 100 mg/kg/day for 9 weeks, starting early in the postnatal period (postnatal Day 7) and continuing through sexual maturity (postnatal Week 10). When these animals were tested as adults (postnatal Weeks 13 to 14), decreased spontaneous locomotor activity was observed in males and females previously treated with 50 mg/kg/day (approximately 6 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis) or greater, and a deficit in the acquisition of a specific learning task was seen in females exposed to the highest dose (12 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis). The no effect level for juvenile neurobehavioral development in rats was 5 mg/kg/day (half the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis).

The clinical significance of the long-term behavioral effects observed in rats is unknown.

Contraindications for Metadate

METADATE CD is contraindicated in patients with: Known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or other component of METADATE CD. Angioedema has been reported in patients treated with METADATE CD. Anaphylactic reactions have been reported in patients treated with other methylphenidate products.

Concomitant treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or within 14 days following discontinuation of treatment with an MAOI, because of the risk of hypertensive crisis. METADATE CD contains sucrose. Therefore, patients with hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption, or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency should not take this medicine.

Pheochromocytoma or a history of pheochromocytoma. Serious reactions, including elevated blood pressure and tachyarrhythmia, have been reported in patients with pheochromocytoma or a history of pheochromocytoma who received a methylphenidate product.

Overdosage Information for Metadate

Clinical Effects of Overdose Overdose of CNS stimulants is characterized by the following sympathomimetic effects: Cardiovascular effects including tachyarrhythmias, and hypertension or hypotension. Vasospasm, myocardial infarction, or aortic dissection may precipitate sudden cardiac death. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy may develop.

CNS effects including psychomotor agitation, confusion, and hallucinations. Serotonin syndrome, seizures, cerebral vascular accidents, and coma may occur. Life-threatening hyperthermia (temperatures greater than 104ºF) and rhabdomyolysis may develop.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) symptoms including headache, altered mental status, hypertension, seizures, and visual disturbances including blindness have occurred in the setting of a methylphenidate product overdose. Symptoms of PRES are usually reversible but may evolve into ischemic stroke or cerebral hemorrhage. Diagnosis of PRES should be confirmed by radiological procedure (e.g., MRI).

Overdose Management Consider the possibility of multiple drug ingestion. The pharmacokinetic profile of METADATE CD should be considered when treating patients with overdose. Because methylphenidate has a large volume of distribution and is rapidly metabolized, dialysis is not useful.

If an overdose of METADATE CD occurs, consider contacting the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdose management recommendations.

Clinical Studies of Metadate

METADATE CD was evaluated in a double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial in which 321 untreated or previously treated pediatric patients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), 6 to 15 years of age, received a single morning dose for up to 3 weeks. Patients were required to have the combined or predominantly hyperactive- impulsive subtype of ADHD; patients with the predominantly inattentive subtype were excluded. Patients randomized to the METADATE CD group received 20 mg daily for the first week.

Their dosage could be increased weekly to a maximum of 60 mg by the third week, depending on individual response to treatment. The patient’s regular school teacher completed the teachers’ version of the Conners’ Global Index Scale (TCGIS), a scale for assessing ADHD symptoms, in the morning and again in the afternoon on three alternate days of each treatment week. The primary efficacy endpoint was determined by the average of the total scores for the 10-item TCGIS completed by the classroom teacher in the morning and again in the afternoon on the three observation days during the last week of double-blind therapy.

Patients treated with METADATE CD showed a statistically significant improvement in symptom scores from baseline over patients who received placebo (See Figure 2). Separate analyses of TCGIS scores in the morning and afternoon revealed superiority in improvement with METADATE CD over placebo during both time periods (See Figure 3). Error bars represent the standard error of the mean.

Figure 2 Figure 3

Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.

Ready to save on Metadate?

Compare prescription prices at over 70,000 pharmacies and start saving today—no enrollment required.

Compare Metadate Prices