Daytrana
Generic Name: Methylphenidate
What is Daytrana?
Daytrana is a central nervous system stimulant used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The active ingredient in Daytrana is delivered via an adhesive skin patch that releases the medication into the bloodstream.What is the most important information I should know about Daytrana?
The following have been reported with the use of Daytrana: heart-related problems including sudden death in patients who have heart problems or heart defects; stroke and heart attack in adults; or increased blood pressure and heart rate. Your doctor should monitor your blood pressure and heart problems before and while you are using Daytrana. Remove the patch immediately and call your doctor right away if any signs of heart problems develop. (such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting).Other potential problems reported with Daytrana include new or worsening behavior and thought problems, bipolar disorder, and aggressive behavior or hostility. Additional problems may include new psychotic symptoms (such as hearing or seeing things that are not real, being suspicious or distrustful, or believing things that are untrue) or new manic symptoms. Call your doctor right away if you notice any new or worsening mental symptoms.
Abuse of Daytrana can lead to dependence. Daytrana should be given cautiously to people with a history of drug dependence or alcoholism.
Discontinue Daytrana if you develop any seizures while on therapy. Daytrana should be discontinued also if you see any redness on your skin accompanied by swelling, small bumps, and small fluid-filled blisters that does not improve within 48 hours or spreads beyond the patch site.
Who should not take Daytrana?
Daytrana should not be used by anyone who is very anxious, tense, or agitated; has glaucoma (high pressure in the eye); experiences tics (repeated movements or sounds that cannot be controlled); has Tourette's syndrome (a brain disorder characterized by involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics), or a family history of Tourette's syndrome; or is taking or has taken within the past 14 days an antidepressant in a class of drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).Daytrana is not for people known to be hypersensitive to methylphenidate or other components of Daytrana.
What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Daytrana?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you or your child is taking before beginning treatment with Daytrana. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have the following: heart problems, heart defects, or high blood pressure; mental problems including psychosis, mania, bipolar disorder, or depression; tics or Tourette's syndrome; seizures or an abnormal brain wave test (EEG); skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis; or any history of skin reactions to soaps, lotions, makeup, or adhesives (glues). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Adults and children ≥6 years: The Daytrana patch should be fixed to the skin once a day for about 9 hours. Daytrana comes in four different strength patches; your doctor may adjust the dose until it is right for you or your child.
How should I take Daytrana?
Use Daytrana exactly as your doctor tells you to. Your doctor may change your dose if needed. Apply Daytrana to your hip 2 hours before an effect is needed. Do not wear Daytrana longer than 9 hours a day. Apply Daytrana to a different hip each day. Do not cut the patches. Parents or caregivers should apply and remove Daytrana for their child if the child is not able to do so.What should I avoid while taking Daytrana?
Do not put any medicine, cream, or lotion on your hip before you apply the Daytrana patch. Medicines, creams, or lotions may affect how the patch sticks to your skin and how the medicine is absorbed from the patch.Do not use bandages, tape, or other household adhesives (glue) to hold the patch onto your skin.
Avoid hair dryers, heating pads, electric blankets, heated water beds, or other heat sources while wearing a Daytrana patch. Too much medicine can pass into your body and cause serious side effects.
Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how Daytrana affects you.
What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Daytrana?
If Daytrana is taken with other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Daytrana with antidepressants, including those in a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reupake inhibitors, antiseizure medications, blood pressure medications, blood thinner medications, clonidine, or cold or allergy medications that contain decongestants.What are the possible side effects of Daytrana?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: skin problems where you apply Daytrana (such as redness, small bumps, itching), poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, weight loss, tics, trouble sleeping, mood swings, dizziness, seizures, slowing of growth, eyesight changes or blurred vision, allergic skin rash
Can I receive Daytrana if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
The effects of using Daytrana during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediaity if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What should I do if I miss a dose of Daytrana?
Contact your doctor if you miss a dose.How should I store Daytrana?
Store at room temperature. Do not store in the refrigerator or freezer. Keep the patches unopened until you are ready to use them. Use or discard the patches within 2 months after you opened the sealed tray or outer pouch.
I'm Shereen A. Gharbia, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
