Daytrana™
(
methylphenidate patch) is a prescription medication that is used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (
ADHD) in children. It is a skin patch that is applied once daily (in the morning) and worn for nine hours, eliminating the need to take medication at school.
It is manufactured by Shire Pharmaceuticals.
Daytrana is a stimulant, but it has effects that are opposite from what would be expected of a stimulant. While stimulants (like caffeine) can cause hyperactivity, Daytrana has a calming effect. While it is not known exactly how the medication produces a calming effect, it is known that it affects certain chemicals in the brain
(see Methylphenidate and D2 Receptors).
Daytrana is a skin patch containing methylphenidate. The methylphenidate is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. After the patch is applied, it takes about two hours before the medicine begins to take effect. After the patch is removed, the effect slowly wears off.
Based on clinical studies, children with
ADHD who used Daytrana had significant improvements in their ADHD symptoms (as measured by their teachers), compared to children with ADHD who did not use the medication. In these studies, it took about two hours after the patch was applied before the teachers noticed any effect.
When and How Do I Use It?
Some general considerations for when and how to use Daytrana include the following:
- The medication comes as a skin patch. It is applied once daily to the skin on the hip area.
- Apply a Daytrana patch about two hours before you would like it to start working, since it takes awhile for the medication to be absorbed from the skin.
- The patch should be worn for approximately nine hours in most cases, although your healthcare provider may recommend wearing it for less time, especially if it is causing insomnia.
- Apply the patch to clean, dry skin that is not irritated or damaged. Try to switch hips each day.
- Never apply heat to the Daytrana patch. This includes heating pads, electric blankets, and water beds.
- Do not ever cut the patch. This will result in much too high of a dose.
- After sticking the patch in place, firmly press the patch with your hand for a full 30 seconds (this helps the patch to stick better). Make sure the edges are fully attached.
- After it is in place, bathing, swimming, and showering usually will not cause any problems with the patch.
- If a patch falls off too early, apply a new patch (on the other hip), but still remove this patch at your regular time.
- To dispose of a removed Daytrana patch, fold it in half so that it sticks to itself, then throw it away in a safe place or flush it down the toilet (do not flush the patch if you have a septic system). This helps prevent anyone (such as young children) from accidentally coming into contact with the medicine.
- For Daytrana to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The patch will not work if you stop using it.
(Click Daytrana Patch Problems for more information about what to do about specific problems that may occur with Daytrana.)
The dose of Daytrana that a healthcare provider recommends may vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The patient's age
- Other ADHD medications that have been tried
- Other medical conditions the patient has
- Other medications the patient may be taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose (or your child's dose) unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Daytrana. However, not everyone who uses the patch will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects of Daytrana include:
Daytrana can cause
high blood pressure. Usually, this increase in
blood pressure is temporary and does not cause any problems. The medication can also increase the chance of
seizures and can make certain heart conditions and mental problems worse.
(Click Daytrana Side Effects to learn about the specific side effects of Daytrana, including serious side effects to look out for.)
You can also read about other possible side effects of the medication by clicking on the following eMedTV links:
Daytrana can potentially interact with a number of medicines.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to using Daytrana if you have:
- Heart problems of any kind, including heart disease, congestive heart failure, certain irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), or if you have recently had a heart attack
- Severe agitation, tension, or anxiety
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Mental illness, including bipolar disorder (manic depression) and psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder)
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Tourette syndrome
- Glaucoma (a condition of the eye)
- Problems with drug or alcohol abuse
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
People who take too much of this medication may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Hyperactivity (trouble sitting still)
- Fast breathing
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Fever
- Muscle pains
- Shakiness
- Aggressiveness
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there).
If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Daytrana should be stored at room temperature away from moisture or heat. Each Daytrana patch should be kept in its pouch until just before use. The patches come in a tray; once you have opened a tray, you should use up the patches within two months (do not use patches from a tray that has been open for more than two months).
Keep Daytrana and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not apply your patch as scheduled, apply the patch as soon as you remember (but still remove the patch at your usual time). If you do not remember until it is almost your usual patch removal time, skip your Daytrana patch that day. Do not use a double dose of Daytrana.
The patches are available in four strengths:
- Daytrana 10 mg patches
- Daytrana 15 mg patches
- Daytrana 20 mg patches
- Daytrana 30 mg patches.
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