Methylphenidate hcl oral solution

Overdose

Consult with a Certified Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) for up-to-date guidance and advice on the management of overdosage with methylphenidate. Signs and symptoms of acute methylphenidate overdosage, 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.

Contraindications

QuilliChew ER is contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to methylphenidate, or other components of QuilliChew ER. Hypersensitivity reactions such as angioedema and anaphylactic reactions have been reported in patients treated with other methylphenidate products.

QuilliChew ER is contraindicated during concomitant treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and also within 14 days following discontinuation of treatment with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), because of the risk of hypertensive crisis.

Pharmaceutical form

Undesirable effects

The following are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling:

• Known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate products or other ingredients of QuilliChew ER
• Hypertensive Crisis When Used Concomitantly with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
• Drug Dependence
• Serious Cardiovascular Reactions
• Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Increases
• Psychiatric Adverse Reactions
• Priapism
• Peripheral Vasculopathy, including Raynaud's phenomenon
• Long-Term Suppression of Growth
• Risks in Phenylketonuria

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.

Commonly 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: appetite decreased, weight decreased, nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, dry mouth, vomiting, insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, affect lability, agitation, irritability, dizziness, vertigo, tremor, blurred vision, blood pressure increased, heart rate increased, tachycardia, palpitations, hyperhidrosis, and pyrexia.

There is limited experience with QuilliChew ER in controlled trials. The safety data in this section is based on data from a laboratory classroom study conducted in 90 pediatric subjects (ages 6 to 12 years) with ADHD. The study consisted of a 6-week dose optimization period, followed by a randomized, double-blind, parallel group treatment period with the individually optimized dose of QuilliChew ER or placebo.

The most common (≥ 2% in the QuilliChew ER group and greater than placebo) adverse reactions reported in the double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase in patient optimized to doses of QuilliChew ER 20 to 60 mg/day are described in Table 1.

Table 1: Common Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 2% of Subjects on QuilliChew ER and Greater than Placebo During the Double-Blind Period of the ADHD Laboratory Classroom Study

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

Hepatobiliary Disorders: Severe hepatocellular injury

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

Musculoskeletal, Connective Tissue and Bone Disorders: Arthralgia, Myalgia, Muscle twitching, Rhabdomyolysis

Nervous System Disorders: Convulsion, Grand mal convulsion, Dyskinesia, Serotonin syndrome in combination with serotonergic drugs

Psychiatric Disorders: Disorientation, Hallucination, Hallucination auditory, Hallucination visual, Libido changes, Mania

Urogenital System: Priapism

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Alopecia, Erythema

Vascular Disorders: Raynaud's phenomenon

Therapeutic indications

QuilliChew ER is indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Pharmacodynamic properties

Methylphenidate is a racemic mixture comprised of the d- and l-isomers. The d-isomer is more pharmacologically active than the l-isomer. The mode of therapeutic action in ADHD is not known. Methylphenidate blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine into the presynaptic neuron and increases the release of these monoamines into the extraneuronal space.

Pharmacokinetic properties

Following a single oral dose of 40 mg QuilliChew ER under fasting conditions, plasma methylphenidate reached maximal concentration (Cmax) at a median time of 5 hours after dosing. Compared to an immediate-release formulation of methylphenidate chewable tablet (40 mg in 2 equal doses of 20 mg, 6 hours apart), methylphenidate mean peak concentration and exposure (AUCinf) was about 20% and 11% lower, respectively, after single dose administration of 40 mg QuilliChew ER (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Mean Methylphenidate Plasma Concentration-Time Profiles After Administration of 40 mg QuilliChew ER or Methylphenidate Immediate-Release Chewable Tablets (IRCT, 2 Equal Doses of 20 mg, 6 Hours Apart) Under Fasted Conditions in Healthy Volunteers

Food Effect

High-fat meal had no effect on the time to peak concentration, and increased Cmax and systemic exposure (AUCinf) of methylphenidate by about 20% and 4%, respectively, after a single dose administration of 40 mg QuilliChew ER.

Plasma methylphenidate concentrations decline monophasically following oral administration of QuilliChew ER.

The mean plasma terminal elimination half-life of methylphenidate was about 5.2 hours in healthy volunteers following a single 40 mg dose administration.

Metabolism

In humans, methylphenidate is metabolized primarily via de-esterification to alpha-phenyl-piperidine acetic acid (PPAA). The metabolite has little or no pharmacologic activity.

Excretion

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.

At 40% alcohol concentration, there was about 90% release methylphenidate from QuilliChew ER 40 mg tablet within half an hour. The results with the 40 mg chewable tablet strength are considered representative of the other available tablet strengths.

Name of the medicinal product

Qualitative and quantitative composition

Special warnings and precautions for use

Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

CNS stimulants, including QuilliChew ER, 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.

Stroke and myocardial infarction have occurred in adults treated with CNS stimulants at recommended doses. Sudden death has occurred in children and adolescents with structural cardiac abnormalities and other serious cardiac problems, and in adults taking CNS stimulants at recommended doses for ADHD. Avoid use in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, or other serious cardiac problems. Further evaluate patients who develop exertional chest pain, unexplained syncope, or arrhythmias during treatment with QuilliChew ER.

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). Individuals may have larger increases. Monitor all patients for hypertension and tachycardia.

CNS stimulants may exacerbate symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder in patients with a preexisting psychotic disorder.

CNS 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).

CNS 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 QuilliChew ER. 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 stimulanttreated patients, compared to 0 in placebo-treated patients.

Prolonged 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.

CNS stimulants, including QuilliChew ER, 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 postmarketing 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 of digital changes is necessary during treatment with ADHD stimulants. Further clinical evaluation (e.g., rheumatology referral) may be appropriate for certain patients.

CNS stimulants have been associated with weight loss and slowing of growth rate in pediatric patients. Careful follow-up of weight and height in pediatric patients ages 7 to 10 years who were randomized to either methylphenidate or nonmedication treatment groups over 14 months, as well as in naturalistic subgroups of newly methylphenidate-treated and nonmedication-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.

Closely monitor growth (weight and height) in pediatric patients treated with CNS stimulants, including QuilliChew ER. Patients who are not growing or gaining height or weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted.

Phenylalanine can be harmful to patients with phenylketonuria (PKU). QuilliChew ER extended-release chewable tablets contain phenylalanine, a component of aspartame. Each 20 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mg extended-release chewable tablet contains 3 mg, 4.5 mg, and 6 mg phenylalanine, respectively. Before prescribing QuilliChew ER in patients with PKU, consider the combined daily amount of phenylalanine from all sources, including QuilliChew ER.

Advise patients to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).

Advise patients and their caregivers that QuilliChew ER is a federally controlled substance, and it can be abused and lead to dependence. Instruct patients that they should not give QuilliChew ER to anyone else. Advise patients to store QuilliChew ER 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 QuilliChew ER through a medicine take-back program if available.

Advise patients that QuilliChew ER should be taken by mouth once daily in the morning with or without food.

Advise patients, caregivers, and family members that there is a potential for serious cardiovascular risks including sudden death, myocardial infarction, and stroke with QuilliChew ER use. Instruct patients to contact a health care provider immediately if they develop symptoms such as exertional chest pain, unexplained syncope, or other symptoms suggestive of cardiac disease.

Advise patients that QuilliChew ER can elevate blood pressure and heart rate.

Advise patients that QuilliChew ER, at recommended doses, can cause psychotic or manic symptoms, even in patients without a prior history of psychotic symptoms or mania.

Advise patients, caregivers, and family members of the possibility of painful or prolonged penile erections (priapism). Instruct the patient to seek immediate medical attention in the event of priapism.

• Instruct patients beginning treatment with QuilliChew ER 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 color 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 QuilliChew ER.
• Further clinical evaluation (e.g., rheumatology referral) may be appropriate for certain patients.

Advise patients, families, and caregivers that QuilliChew ER can cause slowing of growth and weight loss.

Advise patients to avoid alcohol while taking QuilliChew ER extended-release chewable tablets. Consumption of alcohol while taking QuilliChew ER may result in a more rapid release of the dose of methylphenidate.

Advise patients with phenylketonuria that QuilliChew ER extended-release chewable tablets contain phenylalanine, a component of aspartame.

In 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/m 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.

Methylphenidate 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. Methylphenidate was negative in an in vivo mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay.

Methylphenidate did not impair fertility in male or female mice that were fed diets containing the drug in an 18-week Continuous Breeding study. The study was conducted at doses of up to 160 mg/kg/day, approximately 8-fold the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m² basis.

There are limited published studies and small case series that report on the use of methylphenidate in pregnant women; however, the data are insufficient to inform any drug-associated risks. There are clinical considerations. No teratogenic effects were observed in embryo-fetal development studies with oral administration of methylphenidate to pregnant 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.

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2–4% and 15–20%, respectively.

Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions

CNS stimulant medications, such as QuilliChew ER, 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 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).

Limited published literature 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. Long-term neurodevelopmental effects on infants from CNS stimulant exposure are unknown. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for QuilliChew ER and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from QuilliChew ER or from the underlying maternal condition.

Monitor breastfeeding infants for adverse reactions, such as agitation, insomnia, anorexia, and reduced weight gain.

The safety and effectiveness of QuilliChew ER have been established in pediatric patients ages 6 to 17 years. Use of QuilliChew ER in these age groups is based on one adequate and well-controlled clinical study in pediatric patients 6 to 12 years old, pharmacokinetic data in adolescents and adults, and safety information from other methylphenidate-containing products. The long-term efficacy of methylphenidate in pediatric patients has not been established. Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients below the age of 6 years have not been established.

Growth should be monitored during treatment with CNS stimulants, including QuilliChew ER. Children who are not growing or gaining weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted.

Rats 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.

QuilliChew ER has not been studied in patients over the age of 65 years.

Dosage (Posology) and method of administration

Prior to treating children, adolescents, and adults with CNS stimulants including QuilliChew ER, 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 QuilliChew ER use.

The recommended starting dose of QuilliChew ER for patients 6 years and above is 20 mg once daily orally in the morning. The dose may be titrated up or down weekly in increments of 10 mg, 15 mg or 20 mg. The 10 mg and 15 mg doses can each be achieved by breaking in half the functionally scored 20 mg and 30 mg tablets, respectively. Daily doses above 60 mg have not been studied and are not recommended. As with any CNS stimulant, during titration of QuilliChew ER, the prescribed dose should be adjusted, if necessary, until a welltolerated, therapeutic dose is achieved.

Pharmacological treatment of ADHD may be needed for extended periods. Health care providers should periodically re-evaluate the long-term use of QuilliChew ER, and adjust dosage as needed.

QuilliChew ER should be orally administered once daily in the morning with or without food.

If switching from other methylphenidate products, discontinue that treatment, and titrate with QuilliChew ER using the above titration schedule.

Do not substitute for other methylphenidate products on a milligram-per-milligram basis, because of different methylphenidate base compositions and differing pharmacokinetic profiles.

If paradoxical aggravation of symptoms or other adverse effects occur, reduce dosage, or, if necessary, discontinue the drug. QuilliChew ER should be periodically discontinued to assess the child's condition. If improvement is not observed after appropriate dosage adjustment over a one-month period, the drug should be discontinued.