Proper Use
Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®
Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If you take too much, the medicine may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence).
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one.
If you think this medicine is not working properly after you have taken it for several weeks, do not increase the dose. Check with your doctor right away.
This medicine may be taken with or without food.
If you are using the extended-release capsule:
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Take the capsule in the morning. If you take it in the afternoon or evening, you may have trouble falling asleep at night.
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Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, divide, or chew it.
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If you cannot swallow the capsule, you may open it and sprinkle the small beads over a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not store the mixture for future use. Do not crush or chew the beads from the capsule.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
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For ADHD:
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For oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):
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Adults—At first, 10 milligrams (mg) once a day in the morning. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 40 mg per day.
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Children 6 years of age and older—At first, 5 milligrams (mg) once a day in the morning. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 30 mg per day.
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Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For oral dosage form (tablets):
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Adults and children 6 years of age and older—At first, 2.5 milligrams (mg) 2 times a day, at least 4 hours apart. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 10 mg 2 times a day.
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Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Mixed unused medicine with used coffee grounds or kitty litter, then place it in a sealable bag, empty can, or other container before throwing into the trash.
Drop off any unused narcotic medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused narcotic medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm
Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024
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