Methylin Dosage

For children ages six and older who are first starting Methylin, the dosage typically starts at 5 mg twice a day. The recommended daily dosage for adults is 20 mg to 30 mg, taken in two or three doses. If needed, your healthcare provider may slowly increase your daily dose up to 60 mg. Taking your Methylin dosage before breakfast and lunch can decrease the risk of insomnia.

 

Methylin Dosage: An Overview

The dose of Methylin Chewable Tablets® (methylphenidate chewable tablets) or Methylin Oral Solution® (methylphenidate oral solution) that your healthcare provider prescribes will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Other narcolepsy or ADHD medications you may have tried
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you are currently taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Methylin Dosage for ADHD and Narcolepsy

For children ages six and over, Methylin should be started at 5 mg twice a day (before breakfast and lunch). Your child's healthcare provider may slowly increase the dose up to 60 mg total per day, if necessary.
 
For adults, the total dosage of Methylin per day is usually 20 mg to 30 mg (divided into two or three doses). Some people may need less Methylin, while others may need as much as 60 mg per day.
 

General Methylin Dosage Information

Considerations for people taking Methylin include the following:
 
  • In people who have trouble sleeping, taking the last dose of the day before 6 p.m. may be helpful. In general, for people taking Methylin twice a day, the best times to take the medication in order to avoid insomnia are before breakfast and lunch.
     
  • If you do not take your Methylin as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Taking a dose after 6 p.m. may cause trouble sleeping. Do not double the dose at one time.
     
  • Methylin Chewable Tablets should always be taken with a full glass of water (at least 8 ounces) after chewing the tablets in order to prevent choking.
     
  • If you are using Methylin Oral Solution, make sure you know exactly how to measure the correct dose. Household teaspoons are not recommended to measure liquid medications. Instead, use a dosing spoon, cup, or oral syringe to measure your Methylin dosage. Dosing spoons, cups, and oral syringes can be found at most pharmacies.
     
  • The medication can be taken with or without food, although it is usually taken 30 to 45 minutes before meals.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Methylin will not work if you take it differently than how your healthcare provider recommends.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to Methylin or your Methylin dosage, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking the medicine without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;