Concerta

— THERAPEUTIC CATEGORIES —
  • ADHD

Concerta Generic Name & Formulations

General Description

Methylphenidate HCl 18mg, 27mg, 36mg, 54mg; ext-rel tabs.

Pharmacological Class

CNS stimulant.

How Supplied

Tabs—100

Generic Availability

YES

Mechanism of Action

The mode of therapeutic action of methylphenidate HCl in ADHD is not known. Methylphenidate is thought to block the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine into the presynaptic neuron and increases the release of these monoamines into the extraneuronal space.

Concerta Indications

Indications

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Concerta Dosage and Administration

Adults and Children

Swallow whole with liquids. Take once daily in the AM. <6yrs: not established. Methylphenidate-naive: 6–12yrs: initially 18mg once daily, max 54mg/day; 13–17yrs: initially 18mg once daily, max 72mg daily or 2mg/kg/day (whichever is less). 18–65yrs: initially 18mg or 36mg/day; max 72mg/day. Switching from methylphenidate 5mg 2 or 3 times daily: initially Concerta 18mg once daily. Switching from methylphenidate 10mg 2 or 3 times daily: initially Concerta 36mg once daily. Switching from methylphenidate 15mg 2 or 3 times daily: initially Concerta 54mg once daily. Switching from methylphenidate 20mg 2 or 3 times daily: initially Concerta 72mg once daily. For all: may adjust in 18mg/day increments at 1-week intervals; max 54mg/day for children; max 72mg/day for adolescents and adults.

Concerta Contraindications

Contraindications

During or within 14 days of MAOIs.

Concerta Boxed Warnings

Boxed Warning

Abuse, misuse, and addiction.

Concerta Warnings/Precautions

Warnings/Precautions

High potential for abuse, misuse, and addiction; assess patient's risk before prescribing. Assess for presence of cardiac disease before initiating. Avoid in known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, or other cardiac disease. Pre-existing psychotic disorder. Bipolar disorder. Screen for risk factors of developing a manic episode prior to initiation. Consider discontinuing if new psychotic/manic symptoms occur. Seizure disorder. Peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud's Phenomenon; monitor for digital changes. Preexisting GI narrowing. Risk for acute angle closure glaucoma. History of increased IOP or open angle glaucoma; monitor closely. Assess family history and evaluate for tics or Tourette’s syndrome before initiating; monitor for emergence or worsening, and discontinue if clinically appropriate. Monitor BP, HR, growth in children. Periodically monitor CBCs, differential, platelet counts during prolonged therapy. Reduce dose or discontinue if paradoxical aggravation of symptoms occurs. Reevaluate periodically. Pregnancy (Cat.C). Nursing mothers.

Concerta Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Mean times to reach peak plasma concentration: 6–10 hours.

Metabolism

Primarily by de-esterification. 

Elimination

Renal (90%). Half-life: ~3.5 hours.

Concerta Interactions

Interactions

See Contraindications. Hypertensive crisis with MAOIs. Caution with pressor agents. May potentiate coumarin anticoagulants, anticonvulsants (eg, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone), tricyclics, SSRIs. Risk of serotonin syndrome with serotonergic drugs. Concomitant halogenated anesthetics may increase the risk of sudden BP and HR increase during surgery; avoid use. Concomitant risperidone may increase risk of extrapyramidal symptoms; monitor.

Concerta Adverse Reactions

Adverse Reactions

Upper abdominal pain, decreased appetite, headache, dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, weight loss, irritability, hyperhidrosis; priapism, hypertension, tachycardia, visual disturbances, possible GI obstruction, motor/verbal tics.

Concerta Clinical Trials

See Literature

Concerta Note

Not Applicable

Concerta Patient Counseling

See Literature

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