Signs and symptoms of acute methylphenidate overdose, resulting principally from overstimulation of the CNS and from excessive sympathomimetic effects, may include the following: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, anxiety, agitation, tremors, hyperreflexia, muscle twitching, convulsions (may be followed by coma), euphoria, confusion, hallucinations, delirium, sweating, flushing, headache, hyperpyrexia, tachycardia, palpitations, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, hypotension, tachypnea, mydriasis, dryness of mucous membranes, and rhabdomyolysis.
Management Of OverdoseConsult with a Certified Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) for up-to-date guidance and advice on the management of overdosage with methylphenidate. Provide supportive care, including close medical supervision and monitoring. Treatment should consist of those general measures employed in the management of overdosage with any drug. Consider the possibility of multiple drug overdosages. Ensure an adequate airway, oxygenation, and ventilation. Monitor cardiac rhythm and vital signs. Use supportive and symptomatic measures.
Gastric contents may be evacuated by gastric lavage as indicated. Before performing gastric lavage, control agitation and seizures if present and protect the airway. Other measures to detoxify the gut include administration of activated charcoal and a cathartic. Intensive care must be provided to maintain adequate circulation and respiratory exchange; external cooling procedures may be required for pyrexia.
The following are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling:
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 clinical practice.
Clinical Trials Experience With Other Methylphenidate Products In Children, Adolescents, And Adults With ADHDCommonly reported (≥2% of the methylphenidate group and at least twice the rate of the placebo group) adverse reactions from placebo-controlled trials of methylphenidate products include: decreased appetite, decreased weight, nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, dry mouth, vomiting, insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, affect lability, agitation, irritability, dizziness, vertigo, tremor, blurred vision, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, tachycardia, palpitations, hyperhidrosis, and pyrexia.
Clinical Trials Experience With APTENSIO XR In Pediatric Patients With ADHDThe safety data in this section is based on data from two one-week controlled clinical studies of APTENSIO XR in pediatric patients with ADHD, one in children ages 6 to 12 years (RP-BP-EF001, hereafter “Study 1”), and one in children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 years (RP-BP-EF002, hereafter “Study 2”).
Two APTENSIO XR clinical studies evaluated a total of 256 patients with ADHD. Two hundred and forty-three (243) patients participated in the double-blind phase of these two clinical studies.
Study 1 was a randomized, double-blind, single center, placebo-controlled, flexible-dose, cross-over study to evaluate the time of onset, duration of efficacy, tolerability and safety of APTENSIO XR 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, or 40 mg administered for one week in 26 pediatric patients aged 6 to 12 years who met DSM-IV criteria for ADHD.
Most Common Adverse Reactions (incidence of ≥ 5% and at a rate at least twice placebo): abdominal pain, pyrexia and headache.
Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation: No subjects discontinued due to adverse reactions during the double-blind phase of this study.
Study 2 was a randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled, parallel group, fixed-dose study of 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg of APTENSIO XR administered for one week in 221 pediatric patients (6 to 17 years of age) who met DSM-IV criteria for ADHD.
Most Common Adverse Reactions (incidence of ≥ 5% and at a rate of at least twice placebo): abdominal pain, decreased appetite, headache and insomnia.
Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation: Two patients (4.4%) in the APTENSIO XR 40 mg group discontinued due to insomnia, nausea and rapid heart rate, respectively during the double-blind phase of the study.
Table 1: Common Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 2% of Pediatric Patients
(6 to 17 years of age) with ADHD Taking APTENSIO XR and at a Rate
Greater than Placebo (Study 2)
| System Organ Class Adverse Reaction |
Aptensio XR (n= 183) |
Placebo (n=47) |
| Nervous System Disorders | ||
| Headache | 10.9% | 8.5% |
| Insomnia | 9.8% | 2.1% |
| Dizziness | 2.2% | 2.1% |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | ||
| Abdominal pain upper | 8.2% | 0% |
| Nausea | 3.8% | 2.1% |
| Vomiting | 3.8% | 0% |
| Metabolism and Nutritional | ||
| Decreased Appetite | 4.9% | 0% |
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of methylphenidate products. 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. These adverse reactions are as follows:
Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Pancytopenia, Thrombocytopenia, Thrombocytopenic purpura
Cardiac Disorders: Angina pectoris, Bradycardia, Extrasystole, Supraventricular tachycardia, Ventricular extrasystole
Eye Disorders: Diplopia, Mydriasis, Visual impairment
General Disorders: Chest pain, Chest discomfort, Hyperpyrexia
Immune System Disorders: Hypersensitivity reactions such as Angioedema, Anaphylactic reactions, Auricular swelling, Bullous conditions, Exfoliative conditions, Urticarias, Pruritus NEC, Rashes, Eruptions, and Exanthemas NEC
Investigations: Alkaline phosphatase increased, Bilirubin increased, Hepatic enzyme increased, Platelet count decreased, White blood cell count abnormal, severe hepatic injury
Musculoskeletal, Connective Tissue and Bone Disorders: Arthralgia, Myalgia, Muscle twitching, Rhabdomyolysis
Nervous System: Convulsion, Grand mal convulsion, Dyskinesia, serotonin syndrome in combination with serotonergic drugs
Psychiatric Disorders: Disorientation, Libido changes
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Alopecia, Erythema
APTENSIO XR is indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Methylphenidate is a racemic mixture comprised of the d-and l-isomers. The d-isomer is more pharmacologically active than the l-isomer. Methylphenidate is thought to block the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine into the presynaptic neuron and increase the release of these monoamines into the extraneuronal space.
Following oral administration of APTENSIO XR in adults, plasma methylphenidate concentrations increase rapidly, reaching an initial maximum at about 2 hours, followed by gradual descending concentrations over the next 4 to 6 hours, after which a gradual increase begins, reaching a second peak at approximately 8 hours (Figure 1). The relative bioavailability of APTENSIO XR given once daily as compared to a methylphenidate immediate-release oral product given three times daily in adults is comparable. The relative bioavailability is 102%.
The pharmacokinetic profiles and parameters of methylphenidate are similar when APTENSIO XR is administered either as a whole capsule or sprinkled onto applesauce in subjects under fasting conditions (see Table 2 and Figure 1).
Table 2: The Single Dose Pharmacokinetics of d,l-Methylphenidate1 ER Capsule and Sprinkle following an Oral Dose of 80 mg APTENSIO XR under Fast Conditions in Healthy Adults
| Pharmacokinetic Parameters | Capsule | Sprinkle |
| Cmax 2 (ng/mL) |
23.47 ± 11.4 | 21.78 ± 9.5 |
| AUC(0-t) 2 (ng.hr/mL) |
262.7 ± 135 | 262.9 ± 128 |
| AUC(0-inf ) 2 (ng.hr/mL) |
258.1 ± 94.2 | 258.0 ± 84.4 |
| Tmax (hr) ‡ | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Half-life (hr) | 5.09 | 5.43 |
| Relative bioavailability | 102% | 101% |
| 1d,l (racemic) methylphenidate HCl 2 Cmax, AUC (0-t) AUC (0-inf) presented as mean ± SD ‡ data presented as median (range) |
Figure 1: Mean d,l-Methylphenidate Plasma Concentration-Time Profiles following 80 mg Administered as Capsule and Sprinkle Dose in Healthy Adults
In humans, methylphenidate is metabolized primarily via deesterification to alpha-phenyl-piperidine acetic acid (PPAA). The metabolite has little or no pharmacologic activity.
After oral dosing of radiolabeled methylphenidate in humans, about 90% of the radioactivity was recovered in urine. The main urinary metabolite was PPAA, accounting for approximately 80% of the dose.
Food EffectsAdministration of APTENSIO XR with high fat meal showed a decreased or diminished second peak. A high- fat meal also increased the average Cmax of methylphenidate by about 28% and the AUC by about 19%. In the clinical trials of APTENSIO XR, it was administered without regard to meals.
Alcohol EffectAt an alcohol concentration up to 40%, there was 96% release of methylphenidate from APTENSIO XR 80 mg capsule within two hours. The results with the 80 mg capsule are considered to be representative of the other available capsules strengths.
Limited published studies report on the use of methylphenidate in pregnant women; however, the data are insufficient to inform any drug-associated risks. No teratogenic effects were observed in embryo-fetal development studies with oral administration of methylphenidate to rats and rabbits during organogenesis at doses 2 and 11 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD). However, spina bifida was observed in rabbits at a dose 40 times the MRHD. A decrease in pup body weight was observed in a preand post-natal development study with oral administration of methylphenidate to rats throughout pregnancy and lactation at doses 4 times the MRHD. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population are unknown. However, the background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2% to 4% and of miscarriage is 15% to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies.
Clinical ConsiderationsFetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions
CNS stimulants, such as APTENSIO XR, 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.
DataAnimal Data
In 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. Teratogenic effects (increased incidence of fetal spina bifida) were observed in rabbits at the highest dose, which is approximately 40 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) on a mg/m2 basis. The no effect level for embryo-fetal development in rabbits was 60 mg/kg/day (11 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis). There was no evidence of specific teratogenic activity in rats, although increased incidences of fetal skeletal variations were seen at the highest dose level (7 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis), which was also maternally toxic. The no effect level for embryo-fetal development in rats was 25 mg/kg/day (2 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 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 (4 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 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 (equal to the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis).
APTENSIO XR (methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release) capsules are available as follows:
10 mg Capsules – light turquoise blue cap/white body, (imprinted with “APTENSIO XR” on cap and “10 mg” on the body)
Bottles of 90 NDC 42858-401-45
15 mg Capsules – orange cap/white body, (imprinted with “APTENSIO XR” on cap and “15 mg” on the body)
Bottles of 90 NDC 42858-402-45
20 mg Capsules – yellow cap/white body, (imprinted with “APTENSIO XR” on cap and “20 mg” on the body)
Bottles of 90 NDC 42858-403-45
30 mg Capsules – blue violet cap/white body, (imprinted with “APTENSIO XR” on cap and “30 mg” on the body)
Bottles of 90 NDC 42858-404-45
40 mg Capsules – pink cap/white body, (imprinted with “APTENSIO XR” on cap and “40 mg” on the body)
Bottles of 90 NDC 42858-405-45
50 mg Capsules – green cap/white body, (imprinted with “APTENSIO XR” on cap and “50 mg” on the body)
Bottles of 90 NDC 42858-406-45
60 mg Capsules – gray cap/white body, (imprinted with “APTENSIO XR” on cap and “60 mg” on the body)
Bottles of 90 NDC 42858-407-45
Storage And HandlingAPTENSIO XR (methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release) capsules should be stored at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Protect from moisture.
Dispense in tight container (USP).
Manufactured by: Patheon Manufacturing Services LLC, Greenville, North Carolina 27834. Revised: Jan 2017.
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
PRECAUTIONS Potential For Abuse And DependenceCNS stimulants, including APTENSIO XR, other methylphenidate-containing products, and amphetamines, have a high potential for abuse and dependence. Assess the risk of abuse prior to prescribing, and monitor for signs of abuse and dependence while on therapy.
Serious Cardiovascular EventsSudden death, stroke and myocardial infarction have been reported in adults with CNS stimulant treatment at recommended doses. Sudden death has been reported in pediatric patients with structural cardiac abnormalities and other serious heart problems taking CNS stimulants at recommended doses for ADHD. Avoid use in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious heart arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, and other serious heart problems. Further evaluate patients who develop exertional chest pain, unexplained syncope, or arrhythmias during APTENSIO XR treatment.
Blood Pressure And Heart Rate IncreasesCNS stimulants cause an increase in blood pressure (mean increase approximately 2 to 4 mmHg) and heart rate (mean increase approximately 3 to 6 bpm). Individuals may have larger increases. Monitor all patients for hypertension and tachycardia.
Psychiatric Adverse Reactions Exacerbation Of Pre-Existing PsychosisCNS stimulants may exacerbate symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder in patients with a preexisting psychotic disorder.
Induction Of A Manic Episode In Patients With Bipolar DisorderCNS stimulants may induce a manic or mixed episode in patients. Prior to initiating 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 SymptomsCNS stimulants, at recommended doses, may cause psychotic or manic symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusional thinking, or mania) in patients without a prior history of psychotic illness or mania. If such symptoms occur, consider discontinuing APTENSIO XR. In a pooled analysis of multiple short-term, placebo-controlled studies of CNS stimulants, psychotic or manic symptoms occurred in approximately 0.1% of CNS stimulant-treated patients, compared to 0 in placebo-treated patients.
PriapismProlonged and painful erections, sometimes requiring surgical intervention, have been reported with methylphenidate products, in both pediatric and adult patients. Priapism was not reported with drug initiation but developed after some time on the drug, often subsequent to an increase in dose. Priapism has also appeared during a period of drug withdrawal (drug holidays or during discontinuation). Patients who develop abnormally sustained or frequent and painful erections should seek immediate medical attention.
Peripheral Vasculopathy, Including Raynaud’s PhenomenonStimulants, including APTENSIO XR, used to treat ADHD are associated with peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon. Signs and symptoms are usually intermittent and mild; however, very rare sequelae include digital ulceration and/or soft tissue breakdown. Effects of peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon, were observed in post-marketing reports at different times and at therapeutic doses in all age groups throughout the course of treatment. Signs and symptoms generally improve after reduction in dose or discontinuation of drug. Careful observation for digital changes is necessary during treatment with ADHD stimulants. Further clinical evaluation (e.g., rheumatology referral) may be appropriate for certain patients.
Long-Term Suppression Of GrowthCNS stimulants have been associated with weight loss and slowing of growth rate in pediatric patients. Closely monitor growth (weight and height) in pediatric patients treated with CNS stimulants, including APTENSIO XR.
Careful follow-up of weight and height in pediatric patients 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 pediatric patients over 36 months (to the ages of 10 to 13 years), suggests that consistently medicated pediatric patients (i.e., treatment for 7 days per week throughout the year) have 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 period of development.
Published data are inadequate to determine whether chronic use of amphetamines may cause a similar suppression of growth, however, it is anticipated that they likely have this effect as well. Therefore, growth should be monitored during treatment with stimulants, and patients who are not growing or gaining height or weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted.
Patient Counseling InformationAdvise patients to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Controlled Substance Status/High Potential For Abuse And DependenceAdvise patients that APTENSIO XR is a controlled substance, and it can be abused and lead to dependence. Instruct patients that they should not give APTENSIO XR to anyone else. Advise patients to store APTENSIO XR in a safe place, preferably locked, to prevent abuse. Advise patients to comply with laws and regulations on drug disposal. Advise patients to dispose of remaining, unused, or expired APTENSIO XR by a medicine take-back program if available.
Dosage And Administration InstructionsAdvise patients that APTENSIO XR can be taken with or without food and that they should establish a routine pattern of taking APTENSIO XR with regard to meals. For patients who take APTENSIO XR sprinkled over applesauce, the contents of the entire capsule should be consumed immediately; it should not be stored. Patients should take the applesauce with sprinkled beads in its entirety without chewing. When initiating treatment with APTENSIO XR, provide dosage escalation and administration instructions.
Serious Cardiovascular RisksAdvise patients that there is a potential serious cardiovascular risk including sudden death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and hypertension with APTENSIO XR use. Instruct patients to contact a healthcare provider immediately if they develop symptoms such as exertional chest pain, unexplained syncope, or other symptoms suggestive of cardiac disease.
Blood Pressure And Heart Rate IncreasesInstruct patients that APTENSIO XR can cause elevations of their blood pressure and pulse rate.
Psychiatric RisksAdvise patients that APTENSIO XR, at recommended doses, can cause psychotic or manic symptoms, even in patients without prior history of psychotic symptoms or mania.
PriapismAdvise patients of the possibility of painful or prolonged penile erections (priapism). Instruct them to seek immediate medical attention in the event of priapism.
Circulation Problems In Fingers And Toes [Peripheral Vasculopathy, Including Raynaud’s Phenomenon]Instruct patients beginning treatment with APTENSIO XR about the risk of peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s Phenomenon, and associated signs and symptoms: fingers or toes may feel numb, cool, painful, and/or may change from pale, to blue, to red. Instruct patients to report to their physician any new numbness, pain, skin color change, or sensitivity to temperature in fingers or toes.
Instruct patients to call their physician immediately with any signs of unexplained wounds appearing on fingers or toes while taking APTENSIO XR. Further clinical evaluation (e.g. rheumatology referral) may be appropriate for certain patients.
Suppression Of GrowthAdvise patients that APTENSIO XR may cause slowing of growth and weight loss.
AlcoholAdvise patients to avoid alcohol while taking APTENSIO XR. Consumption of alcohol while taking APTENSIO XR may result in a more rapid release of the dose of methylphenidate.
Nonclinical Toxicology Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility CarcinogenesisIn a lifetime carcinogenicity study carried out in B6C3F1 mice, methylphenidate caused an increase in hepatocellular adenomas and, in males only, an increase in hepatoblastomas, at a daily dose of approximately 60 mg/kg/day. This dose is approximately 4 times the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis. Hepatoblastoma is a relatively rare rodent malignant tumor type. There was no increase in total malignant hepatic tumors. The mouse strain used is sensitive to the development of hepatic tumors, and the significance of these results to humans is unknown.
Methylphenidate did not cause any increase in tumors in a lifetime carcinogenicity study carried out in F344 rats; the highest dose used was approximately 45 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 5 times the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis.
MutagenesisMethylphenidate was not mutagenic in the in vitro Ames reverse mutation assay or in the in vitro mouse lymphoma cell forward mutation assay. Sister chromatid exchanges and chromosome aberrations were increased, indicative of a weak clastogenic response, in an in vitro assay in cultured Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells. The genotoxic potential of methylphenidate has not been evaluated in an in vivo assay.
Impairment Of FertilityMethylphenidate did not impair fertility in male or female mice that were fed diets containing the drug in an 18week Continuous Breeding study. The study was conducted at doses of up to 160 mg/kg/day, approximately 8fold the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis.
Use In Specific Population Pregnancy Risk SummaryLimited published studies report on the use of methylphenidate in pregnant women; however, the data are insufficient to inform any drug-associated risks. No teratogenic effects were observed in embryo-fetal development studies with oral administration of methylphenidate to rats and rabbits during organogenesis at doses 2 and 11 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD). However, spina bifida was observed in rabbits at a dose 40 times the MRHD. A decrease in pup body weight was observed in a preand post-natal development study with oral administration of methylphenidate to rats throughout pregnancy and lactation at doses 4 times the MRHD. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population are unknown. However, the background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2% to 4% and of miscarriage is 15% to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies.
Clinical ConsiderationsFetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions
CNS stimulants, such as APTENSIO XR, 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.
DataAnimal Data
In 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. Teratogenic effects (increased incidence of fetal spina bifida) were observed in rabbits at the highest dose, which is approximately 40 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) on a mg/m2 basis. The no effect level for embryo-fetal development in rabbits was 60 mg/kg/day (11 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis). There was no evidence of specific teratogenic activity in rats, although increased incidences of fetal skeletal variations were seen at the highest dose level (7 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis), which was also maternally toxic. The no effect level for embryo-fetal development in rats was 25 mg/kg/day (2 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 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 (4 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 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 (equal to the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis).
Lactation Risk SummaryLimited published literature, based on breast milk sampling from five mothers, reports that methylphenidate is present in human milk, which resulted in infant doses of 0.16% to 0.7% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage and a milk/plasma ratio ranging between 1.1 and 2.7. There are no reports of adverse effects on the breastfed infant and no effects on milk production. However, long-term neurodevelopmental effects on infants from stimulant exposure are unknown. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for APTENSIO XR and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from APTENSIO XR or from the underlying maternal condition.
Clinical ConsiderationsMonitor breastfeeding infants for adverse reactions, such as agitation, anorexia, and reduced weight gain.
Pediatric UseThe safety and effectiveness of APTENSIO XR in pediatric patients under six years have not been evaluated.
The safety and effectiveness of APTENSIO XR have been established in pediatric patients ages 6 to 17 years in two adequate and well-controlled clinical trials. The long-term efficacy of methylphenidate in pediatric patients has not been established.
Long Term Suppression Of GrowthGrowth should be monitored during treatment with stimulants, including APTENSIO XR. Pediatric patients who are not growing or gaining weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted.
Juvenile Animal DataRats treated with methylphenidate early in the postnatal period through sexual maturation demonstrated a decrease in spontaneous locomotor activity in adulthood. A deficit in acquisition of a specific learning task was observed in females only. The doses at which these findings were observed are at least 6 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) on a mg/m2 basis.
In the 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 13-14), decreased spontaneous locomotor activity was observed in males and females previously treated with 50 mg/kg/day (approximately 6 times the maximum recommended human dose [MRHD] on a mg/m2 basis) or greater, and a deficit in the acquisition of a specific learning task was observed 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.
Geriatric UseClinical trials of APTENSIO XR did not include any patients aged 65 years and over. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient start at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
The recommended starting dose of APTENSIO XR for patients 6 years and above is 10 mg once daily in the morning with or without food. Advise patients to establish a routine pattern with regard to meals. The dose should be individualized according to the needs and response of the patient.
The dose may be titrated weekly in increments of 10 mg. Daily doses above 60 mg have not been studied and are not recommended.
APTENSIO XR may be taken whole or the capsule may be opened and the entire contents sprinkled onto applesauce. If the patient is using the sprinkled administration method, the sprinkled applesauce should be consumed immediately; it should not be stored. Patients should take the applesauce with sprinkled beads in its entirety without chewing. The dose of a single capsule should not be divided. The contents of the entire capsule should be taken, and patients should not take anything less than one capsule per day.
Pharmacological treatment of ADHD may be needed for extended periods. Healthcare providers should periodically re-evaluate the long-term use of APTENSIO XR, and adjust dosage as needed.
Dose Reduction And DiscontinuationIf paradoxical aggravation of symptoms or other adverse reactions occur; the dosage should be reduced, or, if necessary, the drug should be discontinued.
If improvement is not observed after appropriate dosage adjustment over a one-month period, the drug should be discontinued.
Important Information Prior To Initiating TreatmentPrior to treating pediatric patients and adults with CNS stimulants including APTENSIO XR, assess for the presence of cardiac disease (i.e., perform a careful history, family history of sudden death or ventricular arrhythmia, and physical exam).
Assess the risk of abuse prior to prescribing, and monitor for signs of abuse and dependence while on therapy. Maintain careful prescription records, educate patients about abuse, monitor for signs of abuse and overdose, and periodically re-evaluate the need for APTENSIO XR use.
The following are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling:
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 clinical practice.
Clinical Trials Experience With Other Methylphenidate Products In Children, Adolescents, And Adults With ADHDCommonly reported (≥2% of the methylphenidate group and at least twice the rate of the placebo group) adverse reactions from placebo-controlled trials of methylphenidate products include: decreased appetite, decreased weight, nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, dry mouth, vomiting, insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, affect lability, agitation, irritability, dizziness, vertigo, tremor, blurred vision, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, tachycardia, palpitations, hyperhidrosis, and pyrexia.
Clinical Trials Experience With APTENSIO XR In Pediatric Patients With ADHDThe safety data in this section is based on data from two one-week controlled clinical studies of APTENSIO XR in pediatric patients with ADHD, one in children ages 6 to 12 years (RP-BP-EF001, hereafter “Study 1”), and one in children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 years (RP-BP-EF002, hereafter “Study 2”).
Two APTENSIO XR clinical studies evaluated a total of 256 patients with ADHD. Two hundred and forty-three (243) patients participated in the double-blind phase of these two clinical studies.
Study 1 was a randomized, double-blind, single center, placebo-controlled, flexible-dose, cross-over study to evaluate the time of onset, duration of efficacy, tolerability and safety of APTENSIO XR 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, or 40 mg administered for one week in 26 pediatric patients aged 6 to 12 years who met DSM-IV criteria for ADHD.
Most Common Adverse Reactions (incidence of ≥ 5% and at a rate at least twice placebo): abdominal pain, pyrexia and headache.
Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation: No subjects discontinued due to adverse reactions during the double-blind phase of this study.
Study 2 was a randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled, parallel group, fixed-dose study of 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg of APTENSIO XR administered for one week in 221 pediatric patients (6 to 17 years of age) who met DSM-IV criteria for ADHD.
Most Common Adverse Reactions (incidence of ≥ 5% and at a rate of at least twice placebo): abdominal pain, decreased appetite, headache and insomnia.
Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation: Two patients (4.4%) in the APTENSIO XR 40 mg group discontinued due to insomnia, nausea and rapid heart rate, respectively during the double-blind phase of the study.
Table 1: Common Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 2% of Pediatric Patients
(6 to 17 years of age) with ADHD Taking APTENSIO XR and at a Rate
Greater than Placebo (Study 2)
| System Organ Class Adverse Reaction |
Aptensio XR (n= 183) |
Placebo (n=47) |
| Nervous System Disorders | ||
| Headache | 10.9% | 8.5% |
| Insomnia | 9.8% | 2.1% |
| Dizziness | 2.2% | 2.1% |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | ||
| Abdominal pain upper | 8.2% | 0% |
| Nausea | 3.8% | 2.1% |
| Vomiting | 3.8% | 0% |
| Metabolism and Nutritional | ||
| Decreased Appetite | 4.9% | 0% |
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of methylphenidate products. 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. These adverse reactions are as follows:
Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Pancytopenia, Thrombocytopenia, Thrombocytopenic purpura
Cardiac Disorders: Angina pectoris, Bradycardia, Extrasystole, Supraventricular tachycardia, Ventricular extrasystole
Eye Disorders: Diplopia, Mydriasis, Visual impairment
General Disorders: Chest pain, Chest discomfort, Hyperpyrexia
Immune System Disorders: Hypersensitivity reactions such as Angioedema, Anaphylactic reactions, Auricular swelling, Bullous conditions, Exfoliative conditions, Urticarias, Pruritus NEC, Rashes, Eruptions, and Exanthemas NEC
Investigations: Alkaline phosphatase increased, Bilirubin increased, Hepatic enzyme increased, Platelet count decreased, White blood cell count abnormal, severe hepatic injury
Musculoskeletal, Connective Tissue and Bone Disorders: Arthralgia, Myalgia, Muscle twitching, Rhabdomyolysis
Nervous System: Convulsion, Grand mal convulsion, Dyskinesia, serotonin syndrome in combination with serotonergic drugs
Psychiatric Disorders: Disorientation, Libido changes
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Alopecia, Erythema
DRUG INTERACTIONS Clinically Important Interactions With APTENSIO XR Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)Do not administer APTENSIO XR concomitantly or within 14 days after discontinuing MAOI treatment. Concomitant use of MAOIs and CNS stimulants can cause hypertensive crisis. Potential outcomes include death, stroke, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, ophthalmological complications, eclampsia, pulmonary edema, and renal failure.
Drug Abuse And Dependence Controlled SubstanceAPTENSIO XR contains methylphenidate a Schedule II controlled substance.
AbuseCNS stimulants including APTENSIO XR, other methylphenidate-containing products, and amphetamines have a high potential for abuse. Abuse is characterized by impaired control over drug use despite harm, and craving.
Signs and symptoms of CNS stimulant abuse include increased heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and/or sweating, dilated pupils, hyperactivity, restlessness, insomnia, decreased appetite, loss of coordination, tremors, flushed skin, vomiting, and/or abdominal pain. Anxiety, psychosis, hostility, aggression, suicidal or homicidal ideation have also been observed. Abusers of CNS stimulants may chew, snort, inject, or use other unapproved routes of administration which can result in overdose and death.
To reduce the abuse of CNS stimulants including APTENSIO XR, assess the risk of abuse prior to prescribing. After prescribing, keep careful prescription records, educate patients and their families about abuse and on proper storage and disposal of CNS stimulants, monitor for signs of abuse while on therapy, and re-evaluate the need for APTENSIO XR use.
DependenceTolerance
Tolerance (a state of adaptation in which exposure to a drug results in a reduction of the drug’s desired and/or undesired effects over time) can occur during chronic therapy with CNS stimulants including APTENSIO XR.
Dependence
Physical dependence (a state of adaptation manifested by a withdrawal syndrome produced by abrupt cessation, rapid dose reduction, or administration of an antagonist) can occur in patients treated with CNS stimulants including APTENSIO XR. Withdrawal symptoms after abrupt cessation following prolonged high-dosage administration of CNS stimulants include extreme fatigue and depression.
