Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin® and generic, Focalin XR® and generic) is a central nervous system stimulant. Here is basic information about this medication.
Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin®)
FDA-approved indications
Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in patients aged 6 years or older
Dosage
Dexmethylphenidate is administered orally twice daily, at least 4 hours apart, with or without food
a) Patients who are new to methylphenidate
Starting dose: 2.5 mg twice daily
Titration: 2.5-5 mg/day dose increments
Maximum: 10 mg twice daily
b) Patients who are currently using methylphenidate
Starting: Half the current dose of racemic methylphenidate
Maximum: 10 mg twice daily
Discontinue treatment if no improvement is seen after one month of appropriate dosage adjustment. Long-term usefulness of dexmethylphenidate should be periodically reevaluated.
Dosage forms and strengths
Tablets: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg
Please refer to Prescribing Information (see link below) for complete discussion of dosage, administration, warnings and precautions, contraindications, etc.
Dexmethylphenidate Extended-Release (Focalin XR®)
FDA-approved indications
Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in patients aged 6 years or older
Pharmacokinetics
Two peaks of plasma concentration, about 4 hours apart.
The first peak is reached in approximately 1.5 hours (range: 1 to 4 hours)
Dosage
Focalin XR is administered orally, once daily in the morning. Focalin XR capsules may be swallowed whole, or capsule contents can be sprinkled on applesauce. Focalin XR capsules and/or their contents should not be crushed, chewed, or divided
1) Patients who are new to methylphenidate
a) Pediatric dosage
Starting: 5 mg/day
Titration: 5 mg/day dose increments
Maximum: 30 mg/day
b) Adult dosage
Starting: 10 mg/day
Titration: 10 mg/day dose increments
Maximum: 40 mg/day
2) Patients who are currently using methylphenidate
Start with half the current dose of methylphenidate
3) Patients who are currently using dexmethyphenidate (immediate-release)
Switch to the same daily dose of Focalin
Dosage forms and strengths
Capsules: 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, 30 mg, 35 mg, and 40 mg
Please refer to Prescribing Information (see link below) for a complete discussion of dosage, administration, warnings and precautions, contraindications, etc.
Related Pages
Methylphenidate Preparations: Basic Information
Mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall®, Adderall XR®): Basic Information
Tips for prescribing ADHD medications
Converting stimulants: Equivalent doses
A dozen tips to manage loss of appetite due to a stimulant (in adults)
Tips for managing abuse potential of medications for ADHD
References
Prescribing information for dexmethylphenidate (Focalin®)
Prescribing information for dexmethylphenidate extended-release (Focalin XR®)
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