Methylphenidate Patch Dosing

For children who are using the methylphenidate patch, dosing typically starts with the 10 mg patch and may be increased as necessary. For most children using the methylphenidate patch, dosing guidelines typically call for wearing the patch nine hours a day; however, the healthcare provider may recommend wearing it for a shorter period if it causes difficulty sleeping. It takes about two hours for the patch to start working; the effects of the patch may last for about three hours after it is removed.

 

Methylphenidate Patch Dosing: An Introduction

The strength of the methylphenidate patch (Daytrana™) that the healthcare provider prescribes may vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The patient's age
  • Other ADHD medications that have been tried
  • Other medical conditions the patient has
  • Other medications the patient may be taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your methylphenidate patch dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Methylphenidate Patch Dosing for ADHD

The recommended starting dose for using the methylphenidate patch to treat children with ADHD is a 10 mg patch applied once every morning. The healthcare provider can increase the dose at weekly intervals if necessary. The patch is usually worn for nine hours, but the healthcare provider may recommend wearing it for a shorter length of time, especially if it is causing insomnia.
 
Because it takes awhile for the patch to start working, it should be applied about two hours before you need it to start working (such as for school). After it is removed, it slowly stops working, and the effects usually last for about three hours after removal. There are some times when removing the patch before nine hours is a good idea. If the patch was applied later than usual (for instance, if your child slept in on a weekend), it is probably a good idea to remove the patch at the usual time (even though this will be less than nine hours) so that your child will not have trouble sleeping at night.
 
(Methylphenidate Patch Dosing Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;