Methylphenidate Hydrochloride

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules are indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), in pediatric patients 6 to 12 years of age [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules are a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in pediatric patients 6 to 12 years of age. ( 1 )

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Administer orally once daily in the morning. ( 2.2 ) Capsules may be swallowed whole, or opened and the entire contents sprinkled on applesauce. ( 2.2 ) Should not be crushed, chewed, or divided. ( 2.2 ) Patients new to methylphenidate: Start at 20 mg daily, titrating the dose weekly in 10-mg increments. Doses above 60 mg daily are not recommended. ( 2.3 ) For patients currently using methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets or methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets: Dosage is based on current dose regimen. ( 2.4 ) If switching from other methylphenidate products, discontinue treatment and titrate with methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules. ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Pretreatment Screening Prior to initiating treatment with central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, including methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules, assess for the presence of cardiac disease (i.e., perform a careful history including family history of sudden death or ventricular arrhythmia, and physical examination) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . 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 reevaluate the need for methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules use [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Drug Abuse and Dependence ( 9 )]. 2.2 General Dosing Information The recommended starting dose for methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules is 20 mg once daily. Increase dosage gradually, in increments of 10 mg weekly. Daily dosage above 60 mg is not recommended. When a lower initial dose is appropriate, patients may begin treatment with 10 mg. Administer methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules orally once daily in the morning. Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules may be swallowed as whole capsules or may be administered by sprinkling the capsule contents on a small amount of applesauce (see specific instructions below). Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules and/or their contents should not be crushed, chewed, or divided. The capsules may be carefully opened and the beads sprinkled over a spoonful of applesauce. The applesauce should not be warm because it could affect the modified release properties of this formulation. The mixture of drug and applesauce should be consumed immediately in its entirety. The drug and applesauce mixture should not be stored for future use. Pharmacological treatment of ADHD may be needed for extended periods. Periodically reevaluate the long-term use of methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets and methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets, and adjust dosage as needed. 2.3 Patients Currently Using Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablets or Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets The recommended dose of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules for patients currently taking methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets twice daily or methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release (SR) is provided below. Table 1: Recommended Dose Conversion from Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablets or Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets Previous Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablets or Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets Dose Recommended Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules Dose 5 mg methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets twice daily 10 mg once daily 10 mg methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets twice daily or 20 mg methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets 20 mg once daily 15 mg methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets twice daily 30 mg once daily 20 mg methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets twice daily or 40 mg methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets 40 mg once daily 30 mg methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets twice daily or 60 mg methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets 60 mg once daily 2.4 Switching from other Methylphenidate Products If switching from other methylphenidate products, discontinue that treatment, and titrate with methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules using the titration schedule. Do not substitute for other methylphenidate products on a milligram-per-milligram basis, because different methylphenidate base compositions and differing pharmacokinetic profiles [see Description ( 11 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Clinical judgment should be used when selecting the starting dose. Daily dosage above 60 mg is not recommended. 2.5 Dose Reduction and Discontinuation If paradoxical worsening of symptoms or other adverse reactions occur, reduce the dosage, or, if necessary, discontinue methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules. If improvement is not observed after appropriate dosage adjustment over a one-month period, the drug should be discontinued.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: Abuse and Dependence [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Drug Abuse and Dependence ( 9.2 , 9.3 )] Known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or other ingredients of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules [see Contraindications ( 4 )] Hypertensive crisis when used concomitantly with monoamine oxidase inhibitors [see Contraindications ( 4 ), Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )] Serious cardiovascular reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Blood pressure and heart rate increases [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Psychiatric adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Priapism [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Long-term suppression of growth [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Most common adverse reactions (greater than 5% during incidence) were headache, insomnia, upper abdominal pain, decreased appetite, and anorexia. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. at 1-888-838-2872 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience 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 practice. The clinical program for methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules consisted of 6 studies: 2 controlled clinical studies conducted in children with ADHD aged 6 to 12 years and 4 clinical pharmacology studies conducted in healthy adult volunteers. These studies included a total of 256 subjects; 195 children with ADHD and 61 healthy adult volunteers. The subjects received methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules in doses of 10 to 40 mg per day. Safety of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules was assessed by evaluating frequency and nature of adverse events, routine laboratory tests, vital signs, and body weight. A placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules in children with ADHD aged 6 to 12 years. All subjects received methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules for up to 4 weeks, and had their dose optimally adjusted, prior to entering the double-blind phase of the trial. In the 2-week double-blind treatment phase of this study, patients received either placebo or methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules at their individually-titrated dose (range 10 mg to 40 mg). Adverse reactions with an incidence greater than 5% during the initial 4-week single-blind methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsule titration period of this study were headache, insomnia, upper abdominal pain, appetite decreased, and anorexia. Adverse reactions with an incidence greater than 2% among methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsule-treated subjects, during the 2-week double-blind phase of the clinical study, are shown in Table 2. Table 2: Adverse Reactions in Greater Than 2% Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsule-Treated Subjects in the 2-Week Double-Blind Phase Preferred Term Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules N = 65 N (%) Placebo N = 71 N (%) Anorexia 2 (3.1) 0 (0.0) Insomnia 2 (3.1) 0 (0.0) Adverse Events Associated with Discontinuation of Treatment In the 2-week double-blind treatment phase of a placebo-controlled parallel-group study in children with ADHD, one methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsule-treated subject (1/65, 1.5%) discontinued due to an adverse event (depressed mood). In the single-blind titration period of this study, subjects received methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules for up to 4 weeks. During this period a total of 6 subjects (6/161, 3.7%) discontinued due to adverse events. The adverse events leading to discontinuation were anger (2 patients), hypomania, anxiety, depressed mood, fatigue, migraine and lethargy. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during the post approval use of methylphenidate products. Because these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to estimate their frequency reliably or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Adverse Reactions Reported with Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablets, Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets, and Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules Infections and Infestations: nasopharyngitis Blood and the Lymphatic System Disorders: leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia Immune System Disorders: hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema and anaphylaxis Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: decreased appetite, reduced weight gain, and suppression of growth during prolonged use in children Psychiatric Disorders: insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, agitation, psychosis (sometimes with visual and tactile hallucinations), depressed mood Nervous System Disorders: headache, dizziness, tremor, dyskinesia including choreoathetoid movements, drowsiness, convulsions, cerebrovascular disorders (including vasculitis, cerebral hemorrhages and cerebrovascular accidents), serotonin syndrome in combination with serotonergic drugs Ey e Disorders: blurred vision, difficulties in visual accommodation Cardiac Disorders: tachycardia, palpitations, increased blood pressure, arrhythmias, angina pectoris Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: cough Gastrointestinal Disorders: dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dyspepsia Hepatobiliary Disorders: abnormal liver function, ranging from transaminase elevation to severe hepatic injury Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: hyperhidrosis, pruritus, urticaria, exfoliative dermatitis, scalp hair loss, erythema multiforme rash, thrombocytopenic purpura Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: arthralgia, muscle cramps, rhabdomyolysis Investigations: weight loss (adult ADHD patients) Adverse Reactions Reported with Other Methylphenidate-Containing Products The list below shows adverse reactions not listed with methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets, methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets, or methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules formulations that have been reported with other methylphenidate-containing products. Blood and Lymphatic Disorders : pancytopenia Immune System Disorders: hypersensitivity reactions such as auricular swelling, bullous conditions, eruptions, exanthemas Psychiatric Disorders: affect lability, mania, disorientation, libido changes Nervous System disorders: migraine Ey e Disorders: diplopia, mydriasis Cardiac Disorders: sudden cardiac death, myocardial infarction, bradycardia, extrasystole Vascular Disorders: peripheral coldness, Raynaud's phenomenon Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: pharyngolaryngeal pain, dyspnea Gastrointestinal Disorders: diarrhea, constipation Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: angioneurotic edema, erythema, fixed drug eruption Musculoskeletal, Connective Tissue and Bone Disorders: myalgia, muscle twitching Renal and Urinary Disorders: hematuria Reproductive System and Breast Disorders: gynecomastia Genera l Disorders: fatigue, hyperpyrexia Urogenital Disorders: priapism

12.3 Pharmacokinetics Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules produce a bi-modal plasma concentration-time profile (i.e., 2 distinct peaks approximately 4 hours apart) when administered orally to children diagnosed with ADHD and healthy adults. No accumulation of methylphenidate is expected following multiple once daily oral dosing with methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules, however, there is a slight upward trend in the methylphenidate area under the curve (AUC) and peak plasma concentrations (C max1 and C max2 ) after oral administration of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release 20 mg and 40 mg capsules to adults. Absorption The absolute oral bioavailability of methylphenidate in children was 22 ± 8% for d-methylphenidate and 5 ± 3% for l- methylphenidate. The relative bioavailability of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules given once daily is comparable to the same total dose of methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets given in 2 doses 4 hours apart in both children and adults. The initial rate of absorption for methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules are similar to that of methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets as shown by the similar rate parameters between the 2 formulations, i.e., initial lag time (T lag ), first peak concentration (C max1 ), and time to the first peak (T max1 ), which is reached in 1 to 3 hours. The mean time to the interpeak minimum (T minip ), and time to the second peak (T max2 ) are also similar for methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules given once daily and methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets given in 2 doses 4 hours apart (see Figure 1 and Table 1), although the ranges observed are greater for methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules. Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules given once daily exhibits a lower second peak concentration (C max2 ), higher interpeak minimum concentrations (C minip ), and less peak and trough fluctuations than methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets given in 2 doses given 4 hours apart. This is due to an earlier onset and more prolonged absorption from the delayed-release beads (see Figure 1 and Table 4). Figure 1: Mean Plasma Concentration Time-Profile of Methylphenidate After a Single Dose of Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules 40 mg and Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablets 20 mg Given in Two Doses 4 Hours Apart Table 4: Mean ± SD and Range of Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Methylphenidate After a Single Dose of Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules and Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablets Given in Two Doses 4 Hours Apart Population Children Adult Males Formulation Dose N Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablets 10 mg & 10 mg 21 Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules 20 mg 18 Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablets 10 mg & 10 mg 9 Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules 20 mg 8 T lag (h) 0.24 ± 0.44 0 to 1 0.28 ± 0.46 0 to 1 1.0 ± 0.5 0.7 to 1.3 0.7 ± 0.2 0.3 to 1.0 T max1 (h) 1.8 ± 0.6 1 to 3 2.0 ± 0.8 1 to 3 1.9 ± 0.4 1.3 to 2.7 2.0 ± 0.9 1.3 to 4.0 C max1 (ng/mL) 10.2 ± 4.2 4.2 to 20.2 10.3 ± 5.1 5.5 to 26.6 4.3 ± 2.3 1.8 to 7.5 5.3 ± 0.9 3.8 to 6.9 T minip (h) 4.0 ± 0.2 4 to 5 4.5 ± 1.2 2 to 6 3.8 ± 0.4 3.3 to 4.3 3.6 ± 0.6 2.7 to 4.3 C minip (ng/mL) 5.8 ± 2.7 3.1 to 14.4 6.1 ± 4.1 2.9 to 21.0 1.2 ± 1.4 0.0 to 3.7 3.0 ± 0.8 1.7 to 4.0 T max2 (h) 5.6 ± 0.7 5 to 8 6.6 ± 1.5 5 to 11 5.9 ± 0.5 5.0 to 6.5 5.5 ± 0.8 4.3 to 6.5 C max2 (ng/mL) 15.3 ± 7.0 6.2 to 32.8 10.2 ± 5.9 4.5 to 31.1 5.3 ± 1.4 3.6 to 7.2 6.2 ± 1.6 3.9 to 8.3 AUC (0-∞) (ng/mL x h-1) 102.4 ± 54.6 40.5 to 261.6 86.6 ± 64.0 a 43.3 to 301.44 37.8 ± 21.9 14.3 to 85.3 45.8 ± 10.0 34.0 to 61.6 t 1/2 (h) 2.5 ± 0.8 1.8 to 5.3 2.4 ± 0.7 a 1.5 to 4.0 3.5 ± 1.9 1.3 to 7.7 3.3 ± 0.4 3.0 to 4.2 a N = 15. Effec t of Food Administration times relative to meals and meal composition may need to be individually titrated. When methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules were administered with a high fat breakfast to adults, methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules had a longer lag time until absorption began and variable delays in the time until the first peak concentration, the time until the interpeak minimum, and the time until the second peak. The first peak concentration and the extent of absorption were unchanged after food relative to the fasting state, although the second peak was approximately 25% lower. The effect of a high fat lunch was not examined. There were no differences in the pharmacokinetics of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules when administered with applesauce, compared to administration in the fasting condition. There is no evidence of dose dumping in the presence or absence of food. Effect of Alcohol An in vitro study was conducted to explore the effect of alcohol on the release characteristics of methylphenidate from the methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules 40 mg capsule dosage form. At an alcohol concentration of 40% there was a 98% release of methylphenidate in the first hour. The results with the 40 mg capsule are considered to be representative of the other available capsule strengths. Distribution Binding to plasma proteins is low (10% to 33%). The volume of distribution was 2.65 ± 1.11 L/kg for d- methylphenidate and 1.80 ± 0.91 L/kg for l-methylphenidate. Elimination The systemic clearance is 0.40 ± 0.12 L/h/kg for d-methylphenidate and 0.73 ± 0.28 L/h/kg for l-methylphenidate. In studies with methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules and methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets in adults, methylphenidate from methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets is eliminated from plasma with an average half-life of about 3.5 hours, (range 1.3 to 7.7 hours). In children the average half-life is about 2.5 hours, with a range of about 1.5 to 5.0 hours. The rapid half-life in both children and adults may result in un-measurable concentrations between the morning and mid-day doses with methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets. No accumulation of methylphenidate is expected following multiple once a day oral dosing with methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules. The half-life of ritalinic acid is about 3 to 4 hours. Met abolism The absolute oral bioavailability of methylphenidate in children was 22 ± 8% for d-methylphenidate and 5 ± 3% for l- methylphenidate, suggesting pronounced presystemic metabolism. Biotransformation of methylphenidate by the carboxylesterase CES1A1 is rapid and extensive leading to the main, de-esterified metabolite α-phenyl-2-piperidine acetic acid (ritalinic acid), which has little or no pharmacologic activity. Only small amounts of hydroxylated metabolites (e.g., hydroxymethylphenidate and hydroxyritalinic acid) are detectable in plasma. Therapeutic activity is principally due to the parent compound. Excretion After oral administration of an immediate release formulation of methylphenidate, 78% to 97% of the dose is excreted in the urine and 1% to 3% in the feces in the form of metabolites within 48 to 96 hours. Only small quantities (less than 1%) of unchanged methylphenidate appear in the urine. Most of the dose is excreted in the urine as ritalinic acid (60% to 86%), the remainder being accounted for by minor metabolite. Studies in Specific Populations M ale and Female Patients There were no apparent gender differences in the pharmacokinetics of methylphenidate between healthy male and female adults when administered methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules. Racial or Ethnic Groups There is insufficient experience with the use of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules to detect ethnic variations in pharmacokinetics. Pediatric Patients The pharmacokinetics of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules were examined in 18 children with ADHD between 7 and 12 years of age. Fifteen of these children were between 10 and 12 years of age. The time until the between peak minimum, and the time until the second peak were delayed and more variable in children compared to adults. After a 20-mg dose of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules, concentrations in children were approximately twice the concentrations observed in 18 to 35 year old adults. This higher exposure is almost completely due to the smaller body size and total volume of distribution in children, as apparent clearance normalized to body weight is independent of age. Patient s with Renal Impairment Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules have not been studied in renally-impaired patients. Renal impairment is expected to have minimal effect on the pharmacokinetics of methylphenidate since less than 1% of a radiolabeled dose is excreted in the urine as unchanged compound, and the major metabolite (ritalinic acid), has little or no pharmacologic activity. Patient s with Hepatic Impairment Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules have not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment. Hepatic impairment is expected to have minimal effect on the pharmacokinetics of methylphenidate since it is metabolized primarily to ritalinic acid by nonmicrosomal hydrolytic esterases that are widely distributed throughout the body. Figure 1