Modafinil Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 22, 2024.

Applies to the following strengths: 100 mg; 200 mg

Usual Adult Dose for:

Narcolepsy
Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome
Shift Work Sleep Disorder

Additional dosage information:

Renal Dose Adjustments
Liver Dose Adjustments
Precautions
Dialysis
Other Comments

Usual Adult Dose for Narcolepsy

200 mg orally once a day in the morning

Comments:

Doses up to 400 mg orally once a day have been well-tolerated, but there is no consistent evidence of additional benefit beyond that of 200 mg orally once a day.
In older patients, consider use of a lower dose with close monitoring.

Use: As a treatment to improve wakefulness in patients with excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy and OSA.

Usual Adult Dose for Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome

200 mg orally once a day in the morning

Comments:

Doses up to 400 mg orally once a day have been well-tolerated, but there is no consistent evidence of additional benefit beyond that of 200 mg orally once a day.
In older patients, consider use of a lower dose with close monitoring.

Use: As a treatment to improve wakefulness in patients with excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy and OSA.

Usual Adult Dose for Shift Work Sleep Disorder

200 mg orally once a day, approximately 1 hour prior to the start of the work shift

Use: As a treatment to improve wakefulness in patients with excessive sleepiness associated with shift work disorder.

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Mild to moderate hepatic impairment: Data not available.
Severe hepatic impairment: Reduce dose to half the recommended dose.

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Known hypersensitivity to the active component or to any of the ingredients

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

US Controlled Substance: Schedule IV

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration Advice:

For oral use.
This drug can be taken with or without food.

Storage Requirements:

Store at 20 to 25C (68 to 77 F).

General:

Limitations of use:
This drug is not a treatment for underlying obstruction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
If continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice for excessive sleepiness in patients with OSA, a maximal effort to treat with CPAP for an adequate period of time should be made prior to and during treatment with this drug.

Monitoring:

Cardiovascular: Patients with known cardiovascular disease or recent events (monitor regularly during treatment); heart rate and blood pressure (regularly during treatment)
General: For adverse effects in older patients (regularly during treatment); signs of misuse, abuse or drug-seeking (periodically during treatment)
Neurologic: For sleepiness/drowsiness (regularly during treatment)
Psychiatric: Development of de novo or exacerbation of pre-existing psychiatric disorders (at every dose adjustment and regularly during treatment)

Patient advice:

Read the US FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Seek medical attention if any symptoms of chest pain, rash, depression, anxiety, or psychosis occur.
Avoid driving and other potentially dangerous activities until response to treatment is known.
Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take to avoid potential drug interactions.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this drug.
Patients of childbearing potential: Notify your health care provider of a known/suspected pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding. Discuss alternative birth control options with your health care provider if you use a hormonal/steroidal birth control method as the risk of pregnancy may be increased during treatment and for 1 month after discontinuation.