Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If too much is taken, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence). If you or your child feel that the medicine is not working properly after you have taken it for several weeks, check with your doctor first and do not increase the dose.

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 or your child use the tablet form of this medicine, and you take it 2 or 3 times a day. Take the first dose in the morning. The other doses may be taken during the day with 4 to 6 hours between doses.

It is best to take the sustained-release capsule in the morning. Taking this medicine in the afternoon or evening could make it harder for you to fall asleep.

Swallow the sustained-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

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.

  • For attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD):
    • For oral dosage form (sustained-release capsules):
      • Adults and children 6 years of age and older—At first, 5 milligrams (mg) 1 or 2 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use is not recommended.
    • For oral dosage form (tablets):
      • Adults and children 6 years of age and older—At first, 5 milligrams (mg) 1 or 2 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children 3 to 5 years of age—At first, 2.5 mg once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children younger than 3 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For narcolepsy:
    • For oral dosage forms (sustained-release capsules or tablets):
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—At first, 10 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children 6 to 12 years of age—At first, 5 mg once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • 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.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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