adverse effects and monitoring
Last reviewed 09/2022
- methylphenidate may cause growth retardation and moderately reduced weight
gain. May cause thrombocytopenia and leucopenia - periodic complete and differential
blood and platelet counts are advised by the summary of product characteristics
(SPC). Also the SPC recommends that blood pressure should be monitored
- sleeplessness and nervousness are common side effects at the beginning of treatment with methylphenidate. These side effects can generally be controlled by dose adjustment (1)
The SPC should be consulted before prescribing this drug.
Reference:
- (1) NICE (October 2000). Guidance on the Use of Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Equasym) for Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in childhood.