cautions/contraindications

Last reviewed 09/2022

• not licensed for children under the age of six years of age
• also not licensed for children with hyperthyroidism; severe angina or cardiac arrhythmia; thyrotoxicosis; glaucoma; symptoms or family history of tics or Tourette's syndrome; agitation, anxiety or tension
• this drug should be used with caution in children and young people with psychotic disorders, epilepsy, or a history of alcohol or drug dependence
• adverse effects with stimulants are probably more common in pre-school children rather than older children and these drugs should be used with particular caution, if at all, in pre-school children (2)

Note that the manufacturer advises that Tourette's syndrome is a contraindication but these drugs (dexamphetamine, methylphenidate) can be valuable in the treatment of hyperactivity in such children (2).

The summary of product characteristics 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.
• (2) Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (2001), 39 (7), 52-54.