Metadate ER Dosage

Generic name: methylphenidate hydrochloride 20mg
Dosage form: tablet, extended release
Drug class: CNS stimulants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 13, 2024.

Dosage should be individualized according to the needs and responses of the patient.

Adults

Methylphenidate Hydrochloride, USP Immediate-Release Tablets

Administer in divided doses 2 or 3 times daily, preferably 30 to 45 minutes before meals. Average dosage is 20 to 30 mg daily. Some patients may require 40 to 60 mg daily. In others, 10 to 15 mg daily will be adequate. Patients who are unable to sleep if medication is taken late in the day should take the last dose before 6 p.m.

Extended-Release Tablets

METADATE ER Tablets have a duration of action of approximately 8 hours. Therefore, the extended-release tablets may be used in place of the immediate-release tablets when the 8-hour dosage of METADATE ER Tablets corresponds to the titrated 8-hour dosage of the immediate-release tablets. METADATE ER Tablets must be swallowed whole and never crushed or chewed.

Children (6 years and over)

Methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets should be initiated in small doses, with gradual weekly increments. Daily dosage above 60 mg is not recommended.

If improvement is not observed after appropriate dosage adjustment over a 1-month period, the drug should be discontinued.

Methylphenidate Hydrochloride, USP Immediate-Release Tablets

Start with 5 mg twice daily (before breakfast and lunch) with gradual increments of 5 to 10 mg weekly.

Extended-Release Tablets

If paradoxical aggravation of symptoms or other adverse effects occur, reduce dosage, or, if necessary, discontinue the drug.

METADATE ER should be periodically discontinued to assess the child's condition. Improvement may be sustained when the drug is either temporarily or permanently discontinued.

Drug treatment should not and need not be indefinite and usually may be discontinued after puberty.