Daytrana

Generic name: Methylphenidate patch

What is Daytrana?

Daytrana is a central nervous system stimulant used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The active ingredient in Daytrana is delivered via an adhesive skin patch that releases the medication through clean and intact skin areas into the bloodstream.

What is the most important information I should know about Daytrana?

Daytrana is a stimulant medicine. The following have been reported with the use of Daytrana or other stimulant medicines: heart-related problems including sudden death in patients who have heart problems or heart defects; stroke and heart attack in adults; increased blood pressure and heart rate

Remove the patch immediately and call your doctor right away if you or your child has any signs of heart problems.

Other potential problems reported with stimulant medicines include new or worsening behavior and thought problems; new or worsening bipolar disorder; and new or worsening aggressive behavior or hostility. Additional problems reported in children and teenagers include new psychotic symptoms (such as hearing voices, believing things that are not true, becoming suspicious) 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.

Who should not take Daytrana?

Daytrana should not be used by anyone who is very anxious, tense, or agitated; has an eye problem called glaucoma; experiences tics or has Tourette's syndrome, or a family history of Tourette's syndrome; is taking or has taken within the past 14 days an antidepressant called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).

Daytrana is not for use in people known to be hypersensitive to methylphenidate or other components of the product, including an adhesive (glue) made of acrylic and silicone.

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 the doctor about all medical conditions (including a family history), especially the following: heart problems, heart defects, high blood pressure; mental problems including psychosis, mania, bipolar disorder, or depression; tics or Tourette's syndrome; seizures or 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).

Talk with your doctor especially if you or your child takes antidepressants including MAOIs, antiseizure medications, blood thinners, blood pressure medications, or cold or allergy medications that contain decongestants.

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 and older: 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.

Daytrana has not been studied in children less than 6 years old.

How should I take Daytrana?

Daytrana patches should be fixed to a clean, dry area on the hip. Alternate hips each day, and make sure the application site is free of redness and irritation before applying. When applying Daytrana, press and hold the patch firmly to the skin with the palm of your hand for 30 seconds. For more information, refer to the medication guide that you will receive from the pharmacist.

What should I avoid while taking Daytrana?

Avoid applying heating pads or subjecting the patch to other external sources of heat. Exposing the patch to heat may cause too much medication to pass into the body and cause serious side effects.

Do not touch the sticky part of the patch.

Avoid applying the patch to cuts or to irritated areas of skin.

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 MAOIs, antiseizure medications, blood thinners, blood pressure medications, 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: decreased appetite, inflammation of the nasal passages, irritation (redness, itching) at site of application, nasal congestion, nausea, sadness/crying, sleeplessness, twitching, vomiting, weight loss

Other side effects of drugs of this type include: allergic reactions, blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, fever, growth suppression, headache, increased blood pressure, nervousness, psychosis (abnormal thinking or hallucinations)

Can I receive Daytrana if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of using Daytrana during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. If you or your child is sexually active, pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about the effects of Daytrana.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Daytrana?

If you forget to apply Daytrana at the correct time, apply it as soon as you remember. Remove the patch at the normally scheduled time, even if it has been less than 9 hours, to avoid side effects later in the day.

How should I store Daytrana?

Store at room temperature. Upon removal of Daytrana, fold used patches so that the adhesive side of the patch adheres to itself. Flush used patches down the toilet or dispose of them in a secure container with a lid.