Daytrana Basics:
Daytrana (day-TRON-ah) is a methylphenidate patch that, unlike all other ADHD medications that are taken orally, is applied to the skin.
What Daytrana Is Used For:
Daytrana was recently approved by the FDA to treat ADHD in children between ages of 6 to 12.
Daytrana Facts:
Daytrana comes in four dosage strengths, from 10mg to 30mg. It is worn for 9 hours, providing relief from ADHD symptoms for up to 12 hours. Other facts include:
- methylphenidate is the generic name for Ritalin, the active ingredient in many other ADHD medications, including Concerta, Ritalin LA, Metadate, etc.
- the Daytrana patch is applied to a child's hip 2 hours before you need symptom relief to begin
Daytrana Side Effects:
The most common side effects of Daytrana included 'decreased appetite, sleeplessness, sadness/crying, twitching, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, nasal congestion, inflammation of the nasal passages, and irritation (redness, itching) at site of application. Other side effects seen with methylphenidate, the active ingredient of Daytrana, include dizziness, headache, fever, drowsiness, nervousness, allergic reactions, increased blood pressure, and psychosis (abnormal thinking or hallucinations).'
Contact Sensitization:
If a child develops contact sensitization from Daytrana, a type of allergic reaction, it is possible that he could have symptoms even if he takes oral forms of methylphenidate, including Concerta and Ritalin LA. It is even possible that they may not be able to ever take any form of Ritalin again.
Who Should Not Take Daytrana :
Daytrana should not be used in children who are agitated or who have marked anxiety or tension, or if they:
- have a hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or other components of the patch
- have glaucoma
- have tics or a family history of Tourette's syndrome
- are taking or recently took a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
Daytrana Warnings:
Like other stimulant medications, Daytrana should generally not be used in children with structural cardiac abnormalities and it should be used cautiously in children with hypertension. Daytrana should also be given cautiously if a patient has a history of alcoholism or drug dependence.
What You Need To Know:
Although many people won't see the benefit of a patch for their child's ADHD medication, it may be helpful for parents who can't get their kids to swallow pills or even take medication from an opened capsule that they sprinkle on food. Another benefit is that you can take the patch off if you need more flexibility and don't need all day symptom control on some days.
Other important information::
- since heat can increase the release of methylphenidate from the Daytrana patch, you should avoid exposing it to a heating pad, electric blanket, etc.
- Daytrana should not be applied under tight clothing and the site that it is applied to should be alternated each day.
- Daytrana should stay on, even when your child is swimming, bathing, or exercising
Sources:
Daytrana Prescribing Information. Shire Pharmaceuticals. Rev. 04/06.
FDA News Release. FDA Approves Methylphenidate Patch to Treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children. April 10, 2006.
