Methylphenidate (Topical Patch)

Overview

Methylphenidate (Topical Patch) uses the stimulant methylphenidate in a transdermal method to administer the medicine at a consistent pace for up to 9 hours, however the benefits of the stimulant may linger for another 3 hours following the patch is deleted. A 10 mg topical patch, for example, gives roughly 10 milligrams of methylphenidate for 9 hours. It offers action for up to 12 hours. The stimulant is absorbed via the skin into the systemic circulation and transmitted to the brain, where it performs its function.
Methylphenidate (Topical Patch), like oral methylphenidate, has been authorized for the treatment of attention-deficit disorder (ADD), deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, which is characterized by daytime somnolence, During the day, the patient sometimes falls deeply asleep.

Dosing Information

Methylphenidate (Topical Patch) dose is controlled by the patch size (milligrams) and the wear period (usually 9 hours on) and 15 hours off the patch, however wear duration may be customized (see below). The recommended beginning dose is a 10 mg patch for the first week; if reaction is not maximal, a 15 mg patch the second week; a 20 mg patch the third week, increasing to a 30 mg patch by the fourth week. The final dose and wear duration are tailored to each patient’s reaction and requirements.
When the patient is transitioning from oral methylphenidate to topical patch, the company suggests following the titration plan above due to changes in absorption and duration of effect with the patch compared to oral medications.

Individualizing the Methylphenidate (Topical Patch) wear time may assist control side effects and enhance treatment. If a shorter period of action is needed or for late-day adverse effects, the patch may be removed before 9 hours. Effects (such as itching) develop. Before modifying the wear time, the patient should talk with his or her physician.

Because Methylphenidate (Topical Patch) is a stimulant, it is a strictly restricted drug. The doctor must write A fresh prescription is issued each time it is dispensed, and it cannot be refilled.

Common Side Effects

Common adverse effects of taking Methylphenidate (Topical Patch) include nausea, vomiting, reduced appetite, and weight Loss, sleeplessness, irritability, and tic. These side effects are usually mild to severe.

Adverse effects and precautions

Stimulants have a significant risk of abuse. Individuals with a history of alcohol and drug misuse could be at risk of misusing stimulants, such as methylphenidate topical patch. Individuals who overuse stimulants acquire tolerance, Psychological dependency may lead to addiction. With long-term usage of stimulants and the consequent Sleepless evenings may lead to psychotic symptoms. Methylphenidate (Topical Patch) may have a lower risk for abuse.

Compared to oral methylphenidates, it should be given with caution, as with any stimulants.
Methylphenidate (Topical Patch) may raise blood pressure. People having a history of high blood pressure or heart disease should exercise caution while using Methylphenidate (Topical Patch) since it might worsen these symptoms. Uncontrollable high blood pressure may lead to significant repercussions such as a stroke or a heart attack. Patients who are on Methylphenidate (Topical Patch) should check their blood pressure on a regular basis.

Individuals with a history of seizure disorder should be careful when using methylphenidate topical patch, since it may reduce seizure threshold and increased vulnerability to seizures. Methylphenidate (Topical Patch) has been shown to decrease linear growth in children and adolescents who are still growing. Physicians sometimes halt therapy on weekends and holidays when children are not in school, for development. Children and adolescents on Methylphenidate (Topical Patch) need strict monitoring for growth suppression, as well as frequent height measurements. This impact is not of concern in the adult population.
Methylphenidate (Topical Patch) may exacerbate tics in those with tic disorders (i.e., muscular twitching, particularly in the face). Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder should avoid or take Methylphenidate (Topical Patch) with care. Stimulants are often overused in these cultures, and large doses of Methylphenidate (Topical Patch) may cause psychosis and mania. Some individuals who used Methylphenidate (Topical Patch) had a cutaneous response known as contact sensitization. Contact sensitization causes the skin to become red, irritated, and swollen. Small, firm, spherical lumps or vesicles. If the skin sensitivity does not improve in one or two days, If the infection develops beyond the patch location, get medical attention.
The application location should not be subjected to external heat sources, such as a heating pad, electric blanket, or heated waterbed, while the patient is wearing the patch. Increasing the temperature surrounding the application site may improve methylphenidate absorption while also causing unpleasant responses.

Use in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Category C

Methylphenidate (Topical Patch) has not been studied in women to confirm its safety during pregnancy. The medication’s impact on the growing fetus in pregnant mothers remains unclear. Women who are pregnant or could become pregnant, should address this with their doctor.

Nursing women should not use any stimulants since tiny doses will pass into breast milk and be swallowed by the infant. If discontinuing the stimulant is not an option, breastfeeding should not be started or should be terminated.

Possible Drug Interactions:

Methylphenidate (Topical Patch) should not be used in conjunction with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI). This combination may cause a rise in blood pressure, This and other signs The following summarizes significant medication interactions associated with methylphenidate topical patch. 

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Examples include Parnate, Emsam, Nardil, and Marplan. MAOIs shouldn’t be used with methylphenidates or dexmethylphenidate (e.g., Concerta, Ritalin, Focalin). The combination may induce Significant rise in blood pressure. 
• Weight-loss drugs (e.g., Meridia) Weight-loss drugs, both prescription and non-Prescription, should not be used with methylphenidates, or dexmethylphenidate. The combination might raise blood pressure or cause irritation, sleeplessness, and other negative responses from overstimulation.
• Coumadin (Warfarin) Methylphenidate and Dexmethylphenidate may Increase Coumadin’s anticoagulant activity. 

Overdose

The severity of Methylphenidate (Topical Patch) overdose is determined by the quantity of methylphenidate absorbed via the skin. An acute overdose may cause a progression of the following symptoms: restlessness, agitation, irritability, insomnia, hyperactivity, confusion, elevated blood pressure, rapid heart rate, delirium, hallucinations, irregular heartbeat, convulsions, coma, circulatory collapse, and death.
If an overdose is detected, remove all patches immediately. Even after removing the patches Methylphenidate may continue to be absorbed from the skin and circulated. A person should be brought to the ER for examination and treatment.

Special Considerations

Each Methylphenidate (Topical Patch) package contains instructions for applying, disposing of, and storing the topical patches. (Methylphenidate (Topical Patch) box insert; Shire US, Inc., 1/08). These instructions are summarized as follows:
Application
• A Methylphenidate (Topical Patch) patch should be put to the hips two hours before the stimulant’s impact is required.
• Apply the patch immediately after opening the bag and removing the protective lining. If it is not used, do not put it back inside the bag for subsequent usage.
• Avoid using patches that have been sliced or damaged in any manner.
• Apply on clean, dry, oil-free skin. Avoid applying to injured or inflamed skin.

 Apply to: avoid garments from rubbing the patch off, place the hip below the waistline.

• Press the patch firmly with your palm for around 30 seconds, establishing a tight seal around the edges of the patch. If the patch is properly applied, water should have no effect on its adhesion.
• If a patch slips off, a fresh patch may be put to another part of the hip. The total wear time of Both patches, however, should not last more than nine hours. If a patch slips off, do not use tape or glue to keep it on the skin.
• Avoid using electric blankets, heating pads, or other heat sources, such as a heated waterbed, when wearing a topical patch. Heat stimulates circulation, which might improve the absorption of methylphenidate and, hence, the quantity that enters the body might produce major adverse effects.

Disposal

• Once removed, fold the patch in half, sticky sides together. Flush the used patch down a toilet or sink. Pose it in a closed container immediately away.
• When unused Methylphenidate (Topical Patch) patches are no longer required, dispose of them in the same way.
• Clean your hands after handling the patch.

Storage

• For best stability, keep Methylphenidate (Topical Patch) patches at room temperature (77°F). For trips, patches for brief periods of time, it may be stored at temperatures ranging from 59°F to 86°F.
• Do not keep patches in the fridge or freezer.
• Do not keep patches outside of their pouches.
• Once opened, the tray’s contents should be utilized within two months.
• Keep the medicine in the original labeled, light-resistant container, away from heat and moisture. Heat and Moisture may cause the medicine to disintegrate, resulting in the medication losing its medicinal properties.
• Keep your medications out of reach of youngsters.