Concerta
Concerta is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant prescription medicine. It contains methylphenidate in an extended-release formulation that uses an osmotic delivery system (OROS) to release the medication at a controlled rate throughout the day.
Dosage by Body Weight
The standard starting dose for pediatric patients (ages 6-12) and adults who are new to methylphenidate is 18 mg taken orally once daily in the morning. Dosage may be adjusted in 18 mg increments weekly. Maximum daily dose is 54 mg for children and 72 mg for adolescents and adults. Tablets must be swallowed whole with water and should not be crushed, chewed, or divided.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Contraindicated
- Frequency
- Not applicable
- Tracking Notes
- Concerta is not approved or safe for infants and toddlers.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Contraindicated
- Frequency
- Not applicable
- Tracking Notes
- Concerta is not approved for children under 6 years of age.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Contraindicated
- Frequency
- Not applicable
- Tracking Notes
- Concerta is not approved for children under 6 years of age.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Not applicable
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established for patients under 6 years of age.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Not routinely recommended
- Frequency
- Use only if specifically prescribed by a specialist
- Tracking Notes
- Concerta dosing is titrated individually based on clinical response and tolerability, not directly by body weight. It is rarely prescribed to children in this weight range.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Contraindicated | Not applicable | Concerta is not approved or safe for infants and toddlers. |
| 5-7 kg | Contraindicated | Not applicable | Concerta is not approved for children under 6 years of age. |
| 8-10 kg | Contraindicated | Not applicable | Concerta is not approved for children under 6 years of age. |
| 11-15 kg | Not recommended | Not applicable | Safety and efficacy have not been established for patients under 6 years of age. |
| 16-20 kg | Not routinely recommended | Use only if specifically prescribed by a specialist | Concerta dosing is titrated individually based on clinical response and tolerability, not directly by body weight. It is rarely prescribed to children in this weight range. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children, adolescents, and adults.
Generic Name
Methylphenidate hydrochlorideScheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.