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Focalin® XR   Generic: Dexmethylphenidate  Available forms: extended-release capsulesextended-release capsules, tabletstablets Overview Side Effects Interactions Usage
< Back Dexmethylphenidate Tablet (Tablet 2.5 mg)
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc
Dexmethylphenidate Tablet (Tablet 5 mg)
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc
Dexmethylphenidate Tablet (Tablet 10 mg)
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc
Focalin XR Extended-Release Capsule (Capsule, Modified Release 5 mg)
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Focalin Tablet (Tab 5 mg)
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Focalin Tablet (Tab 10 mg)
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Focalin XR Extended-Release Capsule (Capsule, Modified Release 10 mg)
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Focalin XR Extended-Release Capsule (Capsule, Modified Release 20 mg)
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Focalin Tablet (Tab 2.5 mg)
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Focalin XR Extended-Release Capsule (Capsule, Extended Release 15 mg)
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
< Back
Dexmethylphenidate Tablet
More Images (10)
DEXMETHYLPHENIDATE (Focalin™ XR) is a stimulant. It can improve attention span, concentration, and emotional control, and reduce restless or overactive behavior. This medicine treats attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Federal law prohibits the transfer of dexmethylphenidate to any person other than the person for whom it was prescribed. Do not share this medicine with anyone else. Generic dexmethylphenidate extended-release capsules are not available.

Your health care provider needs to know if you have any of these conditions:
•regularly drink beverages containing alcohol
•a history of drug abuse
•glaucoma
•heart failure or other heart disease
•heart rhythm disturbance
•history of recent heart attack
•high blood pressure
•liver disease
•mental illness, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, mania or schizophrenia
•overactive thyroid
•seizures (convulsions)
•Tourette's syndrome (speech repetition or involuntary use of obscene language)
•an unusual or allergic reaction to dexmethylphenidate, methylphenidate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•anxiety or severe nervousness
•bruising
•changes in mood or behavior, including seeing or hearing things that are not really there or over-focused, staring-type behavior
•chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
•fever, or hot, dry skin
•increased blood pressure
•joint pain
•skin rash, itching
•uncontrollable head, mouth, neck, arm, or leg movements

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
Less Common or Rare:
•a sense of well being
•blurred vision
•dizziness or lightheadedness
•stomach cramps
More Common, especially in the first few weeks of treatment:
•decreased appetite or loss of appetite
•headache
•mild stomach upset
•nervousness, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping
•weight loss

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. This prescription requires that you follow special procedures with your prescriber and pharmacy; you will need to have a new written prescription from your prescriber every time you need a refill.

Dexmethylphenidate may affect your concentration, or hide signs of tiredness. Until you know how this drug affects you, do not drive, ride a bicycle, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if this medicine loses its effects, or if you feel you need to take more than the prescribed amount. Do not change the dosage without advice from your prescriber or health care professional. Do not suddenly stop your medication without your prescribers approval. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

Decreased appetite is a common side effect when starting this medicine. Eating small, frequent meals or snacks can help. Talk to your prescriber if you continue to have poor eating habits. Height and weight growth of a child taking this medication will be monitored closely.

If you are going to have surgery or other medical procedures, tell your health care professional that you are taking dexmethylphenidate.

The following drugs may interact with Focalin® XR:
•amphetamine or dextroamphetamine
•antacids
•bretylium
•caffeine
•carbamazepine
•clonidine
•furazolidone
•guarana
•linezolid
•lithium
•medicines for colds, sinus, and breathing difficulties
•medicines for high blood pressure
•medicines called MAO inhibitors- examples: phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®)
•other medicines for mental depression or anxiety
•medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
•medicines to decrease appetite or cause weight loss
•methylphenidate
•modafinil
•pemoline
•procarbazine
•seizure (convulsion) or epilepsy medicine
•warfarin
•water pills (diuretics)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

How should this medicine be used?
Take dexmethylphenidate extended-release capsules by mouth, once daily in the morning. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow whole with a drink of water or juice; do not crush, cut, or chew. You may take this medicine with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

If swallowing the capsule is difficult, the capsule may be opened and the dose gently sprinkled on a small amount (1 tablespoon) of cool applesauce. (Do not sprinkle on warm applesauce or this may result in improper dosing.) The sprinkles should not be crushed or chewed. Take immediately after sprinkling (do not store for future use). Drink some fluids (water, milk or juice) after taking the sprinkles with applesauce.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. This medicine is commonly prescribed for children >= 6 years old.

What if I miss a dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Dexmethylphenidate Tablet
More Images (10)
DEXMETHYLPHENIDATE (Focalin®) is a stimulant. It can improve attention span, concentration, and emotional control, and reduce restless or overactive behavior. This medicine treats attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Federal law prohibits the transfer of dexmethylphenidate to any person other than the person for whom it was prescribed. Do not share this medicine with anyone else. Generic dexmethylphenidate tablets are not available.

Your health care provider needs to know if you have any of these conditions:
•regularly drink beverages containing alcohol
•a history of drug abuse
•glaucoma
•heart failure or other heart disease
•heart rhythm disturbance
•history of recent heart attack
•high blood pressure
•liver disease
•mental illness, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, mania or schizophrenia
•overactive thyroid
•seizures (convulsions)
•Tourette's syndrome (speech repetition or involuntary use of obscene language)
•an unusual or allergic reaction to dexmethylphenidate, methylphenidate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

El DEXMETILFENIDATO (Focalin®) es un estimulante. Puede mejorar la capacidad de concentración, la concentración en general y el control de las emociones y reducir la conducta inquieta o hiperactiva. Este medicamento trata el trastorno del déficit de atención (TDA) con hiperactividad. Las leyes federales prohiben la transferencia de dexmetilfenidato a cualquier persona que no sea el paciente para quien el medicamento fue recetado. No comparta este medicamento con nadie. No hay tabletas genéricas de dexmetilfenidato disponibles.

Necesita saber si usted presenta alguno de los siguientes problemas o situaciones:
•consume bebidas alcohólicas con frecuencia
•antecedentes de drogadicción
•glaucoma
•insuficiencia cardiaca u otra enfermedad cardiaca
•trastorno del ritmo cardiaco
•antecedente de ataque cardiaco reciente
•alta presión sanguínea
•enfermedad hepática
•enfermedad mental, como por ejemplo ansiedad, trastorno bipolar, depresión, manía o esquizofrenia
•hipertiroidismo
•convulsiones
•síndrome de Tourette (repetición de frases o uso involuntario de lenguaje obsceno)
•una reacción alérgica o inusual al metilfenidato, a otros medicamentos, alimentos, colorantes o conservadores
•si está embarazada o buscando quedar embarazada
•si está amamantando a un bebé

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•anxiety or severe nervousness
•bruising
•changes in mood or behavior, including seeing or hearing things that are not really there or over-focused, staring-type behavior
•chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
•fever, or hot, dry skin
•increased blood pressure
•joint pain
•skin rash, itching
•uncontrollable head, mouth, neck, arm, or leg movements

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
Less Common or Rare:
•a sense of well being
•blurred vision
•dizziness or lightheadedness
•stomach cramps
More Common, especially in the first few weeks of treatment:
•decreased appetite or loss of appetite
•headache
•mild stomach upset
•nervousness, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping
•weight loss

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. This prescription requires that you follow special procedures with your prescriber and pharmacy; you will need to have a new written prescription from your prescriber every time you need a refill.

Dexmethylphenidate may affect your concentration, or hide signs of tiredness. Until you know how this drug affects you, do not drive, ride a bicycle, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if this medicine loses its effects, or if you feel you need to take more than the prescribed amount. Do not change the dosage without advice from your prescriber or health care professional. Do not suddenly stop your medication without your prescribers approval. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

Decreased appetite is a common side effect when starting this medicine. Eating small, frequent meals or snacks can help. Talk to your prescriber if you continue to have poor eating habits. Height and weight growth of a child taking this medication will be monitored closely.

If you are going to have surgery or other medical procedures, tell your health care professional that you are taking dexmethylphenidate.

Efectos secundarios que debe informar a quien extiende sus recetas o a su profesional de la salud tan pronto como sea posible:
•ansiedad o nerviosismo severo
•magulladuras
•cambios en el estado de ánimo o la conducta, como por ejemplo ver y escuchar cosas que no existen o presentar un comportamiento de concentración excesiva, con la mirada fija
•dolor en el pecho, pulso cardiaco rápido o irregular (palpitaciones)
•fiebre o piel seca y caliente
•aumento de la presión sanguínea
•dolores articulares
•erupción cutánea, picazón
•movimientos incontrolables de la cabeza, boca, cuello, brazos o piernas

Efectos secundarios que, por lo general, no requieren atención médica (debe informarlos a quien extiende sus recetas o a su profesional de la salud si persisten o si son molestos):
Poco comunes o raros:
•sensación de bienestar
•visión borrosa
•sensación de mareo o aturdimiento
•calambres estomacales
Más comunes, especialmente durante las primeras semanas del tratamiento:
•poco apetito o pérdida del apetito
•dolor de cabeza
•malestar estomacal leve
•nerviosismo, inquietud o dificultad para dormir
•pérdida de peso

Visite al profesional que extiende sus recetas o a su profesional de la salud para chequear su evolución periódicamente. Para utilizar este medicamento es necesario cumplir con ciertos procedimientos especiales ante el profesional que extiende sus recetas y en la farmacia. Deberá presentar una nueva receta escrita por su profesional cada vez que necesite más medicamento.

El dexmetilfenidato puede afectar su concentración u ocultar signos de cansancio. No conduzca vehículos ni bicicletas, no utilice maquinaria ni haga nada que le exija permanecer en estado de alerta hasta que sepa cómo le afecta este medicamento.

Informe a quien extiende sus recetas o a su profesional de la salud si este medicamento deja de actuar o si siente la necesidad de tomar una cantidad mayor que la recetada. No cambie la dosis sin antes consultar a quien extiende sus recetas o a su profesional de la salud. Consulte a quien extiende sus recetas o a su profesional de la salud.

Al comenzar a tomar este medicamento puede sentir poco apetito; éste es un efecto secundario frecuente. Para combatir este problema, ingiera pequeñas cantidades de comida o refrigerios con frecuencia. Si la falta de apetito persiste, consulte a quien extiende sus recetas. Se controlará cuidadosamente la evolución de la altura y del peso de los niños que toman este medicamento.

Si va a someterse a una operación u otro procedimiento médico, informe a quien extiende sus recetas o a su profesional de la salud que está tomando dexmetilfenidato.
The following drugs may interact with Focalin® XR:
•amphetamine or dextroamphetamine
•bretylium
•caffeine
•carbamazepine
•clonidine
•furazolidone
•guarana
•linezolid
•lithium
•medicines for colds, sinus, and breathing difficulties
•medicines for high blood pressure
•medicines called MAO inhibitors- examples: phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®)
•other medicines for mental depression or anxiety
•medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
•medicines to decrease appetite or cause weight loss
•methylphenidate
•modafinil
•pemoline
•procarbazine
•seizure (convulsion) or epilepsy medicine
•warfarin
•water pills (diuretics)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

Las suiguientes drogas pueden interferir con Focalin® XR:
•anfetamina o dextroanfetamina
•bretilio
•cafeína
•carbamazepina
•clonidina
•furazolidona
•guaraná
•linezolid
•litio
•medicamentos para resfríos y problemas respiratorios y sinusales
•medicamentos para la alta presión sanguínea
•medicamentos denominados inhibidores de la monoamina oxidasa (IMAO), como por ejemplo: fenelcina (Nardil®), tranilcipromina (Parnate®), isocarboxacida (Marplan®)
•otros medicamentos para la depresión mental o ansiedad
•medicamentos para problemas mentales y trastornos psicóticos
•medicamentos para reducir el apetito o para bajar de peso
•metilfenidato
•modafinilo
•pemolina
•procarbazina
•medicamentos para las convulsiones o la epilepsia
•warfarina
•diuréticos

Informe al profesional que extiende sus recetas o a su profesional de la salud todos los otros medicamentos que esté tomando, incluyendo los medicamentos de venta libre, suplementos nutritivos o productos a base de hierbas. Si usted consume bebidas con cafeína o alcohol de manera frecuente, si fuma o si utiliza drogas ilegales, indíqueselo también a quien extiende sus recetas o a su profesional de la salud. Estas sustancias pueden afectar el modo en que actúan sus medicamentos. Antes de comenzar a tomar cualquiera de sus medicamentos o de dejar de hacerlo, consulte a su profesional de la salud.

How should I take this medicine?
Take dexmethylphenidate tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. You can take this medicine with or without food. Usually the last dose of the day will be taken at least 4—6 hours before your normal bedtime, so it will not interfere with sleep. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. This medicine is commonly prescribed for children >= 6 years old.

What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

¿Cómo debo tomar este medicamento?
Tome las tabletas de dexmetilfenidato por vía oral. Siga las instrucciones de la etiqueta del medicamento. Ingiera las tabletas con un vaso de agua. Este medicamento se puede tomar con o sin alimentos. Por lo general, la última dosis del día se debe tomar por lo menos entre 4 y 6 horas antes de la hora a la que habitualmente se va a dormir, para que no interfiera con el sueño. No tome su medicamento con una frecuencia mayor a la indicada.

Comuníquese con su pediatra o con su profesional de la salud para informarse acerca del uso de este medicamento en niños. Tal vez se necesite atención especial. Este medicamento se receta comúnmente a niños de 6 años de edad o mayores.

¿Qué sucede si me olvido de una dosis?
Si se olvida de una dosis, tómela tan pronto como sea posible. Si es casi la hora de su dosis siguiente, tome sólo esa dosis. No tome dosis adicionales o dobles.

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