Equasym - Methylphenidate

This is a new generic form of Methylphenidate which has just been brought out in the UK by UCB Pharma.

This medication is available in not only the 10mg tablet form but also in 5mg and 20mg tablets. This will eliminate the need for halving tablets.

The Effects and Side Effects are the same as Methylphenidate above.

The Slow Release form of Equasym, Equasym XL known as Metadate CD in the USA is available off licence in the UK. The Pharmacist would have to get in touch with Celltech who fax them a form which they can then fax back with the details and the medication is sent down the following day.

Equasym XL - Methylphenidate

This is a new generic form of Methylphenidate which has just been brought out in the UK by UCB Pharma.

This medication is available in 10mg, 20mg or 30mg capsules.

The Effects and Side Effects are the same as Methylphenidate above.

The Slow Release form of Equasym XL is known as Metadate CD in the USA.

Concerta

Concerta™ is an extended-release formulation of methylphenidate tablets for ADHD treatment which is designed to last throughout the day with just one dose. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for treating and managing ADHD. It has been used safely and successfully among children and adults for more than 25 years.

Concerta™ is now licensed and available in the UK (see our news item) via Janssen-Cilag, patient/carer orientated web-site..

Concerta™ is an integral part of a total treatment program that typically includes behavior modification and medication.

How does Concerta™ work? Concerta™ is designed to be taken just once a day in the morning, before a child leaves for school. The drug over-coat dissolves within one hour providing an initial dose of methylphenidate. The medication is then released gradually in a smooth pattern, improving attention and behavior throughout the day. The advanced system was designed to help a child maintain focus without in-school and after-school dosing. Due to its controlled release, Concerta™ minimizes the peaks and valleys-the fluctuating levels of medicine in the blood-associated with other medications when they are taken more than once per day.

Concerta™ is available in 18 mg and 36 mg tablets. It should be taken in the morning, with or without breakfast. Concerta™ tablets must be swallowed whole with the aid of liquid, such as water, milk, or juice. Concerta™ must not be chewed, divided, or crushed.

Concerta™ was developed by ALZA for Crescendo Pharmaceuticals. On August 1, 2000, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the new drug application for Concerta™ for the treatment of ADHD. The product will be manufactured and marketed by ALZA. McNeil Consumer Healthcare will co-promote Concerta™ in the U.S. For more information see concerta.net

Side Effects In a controlled clinical study with patients using Concerta™, the most common side effects reported were headache(14%), upper respiratory tract infection (8%), stomachache (7%), vomiting (4%), loss of appetite (4%), sleeplessness (4%), increased cough (4%), sore throat (4%), sinusitis (3%), and dizziness (2%).

Who shouldn't use Concerta™ ? Concerta™ should not be taken by patients who: have significant anxiety, tension, or agitation, since Concerta™ may make these conditions worse; are allergic to methylphenidate or any of the other ingredients in Concerta™; have glaucoma, an eye disease; have tics or Tourette's syndrome, or a family history of Tourette's syndrome; are taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Ordinarily, Concerta™ should not be administered to patients with preexisting severe gastrointestinal narrowing. Concerta™ should not be used in children under six years, since safety and efficacy in this age group have not been established.

Concerta™ should be given cautiously to patients with a history of drug dependence or alcoholism. Chronic abusive use can lead to marked tolerance and psychological dependence. (See Boxed Warning).

Q. Can I crush the fast acting tablet if my child won't swallow it?

A. Crushing is not a good idea as the Ritalin/Equasym is bitter and swollowing is quicker as a tablet, than a powder or pieces. Try giving a quarter which is easier to swallow, placed far back on his tongue, where the bitterness is less obvious with his favourite drink. It should just wash down. When used to a quarter, try a two quarters (half) and eventually a full half and if required a whole eventually. Also compliment him when he manages to succeed. A sip of the drink before you start also helps. However crushed and mixed with something they like may be alright providing the bitter taste does not come through!

The Slow Release tablets such as Concerta XL and Equasym XL should not be crushed or opened in any way as this will make them ineffective.

^a From a question posted on adders.org forum and answered by Dr Billy Levin from South Africa