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	Search Quick Order Form» Departments Vitamins Minerals Supplements Herbs Home & Grocery Diet & Fitness Body & Bath More Ways to Shop Brands A-Z Natural Remedies Children & Infants Women's Health Men's Health Seniors Newsletter Sign Up Weekly health news, sale announcements and coupons!		Library Home > Safetychecker by Drug Name > Methylphenidate METHYLPHENIDATE Introduction Safetychecker summary Food interactions References Methylphenidate is a stimulant drug with actions similar to amphetamines. It is used as an adjunct to a complete program to treat children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. Methylphenidate is also used to treat people with narcolepsy. Safetychecker Summary for Methylphenidate (for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article) Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results. Alcohol Depletion or interference None known Side effect reduction/prevention None known Supportive interaction None known Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability None known Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds Food Some researchers have recommended that methylphenidate be taken 30 to 45 minutes before meals,1 although it has been reported that methylphenidate was absorbed faster2 and was equally effective3 taken with food. Sustained-release methylphenidate (Ritalin®-SR) tablets should be swallowed whole, without crushing or chewing.4 Alcohol Methylphenidate may impair physical coordination and cause dizziness or drowsiness.5 Alcohol may intensify these effects, increasing the risk of accidental injury. To prevent problems, people taking methylphenidate should avoid alcohol. References: 1. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Miscellaneous Psychotherapeutic Agents, Methylphenidate HCl. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1997, 268t–8v. 2. Chan YP, Swanson JM, Soldin SS, et al. Methylphenidate hydrochloride given with or before breakfast: II. Effects on plasma concentration of methylphenidate and ritalinic acid. Pediatrics 1983;72:56–9. 3. Swanson JM, Sandman CA, Deutsch C, Baren M. Methylphenidate hydrochloride given with or before breakfast: I. Behavioral, cognitive, and electrophysiologic effects. Pediatrics 1983;72:49–55. 4. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Miscellaneous Psychotherapeutic Agents, Methylphenidate HCl. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1997, 268t–8v. 5. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Miscellaneous Psychotherapeutic Agents, Methylphenidate HCl. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1997, 268t–8v. Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc.  All rights reserved. www.healthnotes.com Please read the disclaimer about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article. Learn more about Healthnotes, the company. Learn more about the authors of Safetychecker. The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2003.

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