Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) Disease Interactions

There are 7 disease interactions with Focalin (dexmethylphenidate):

The use of central nervous system (CNS) stimulants is contraindicated in patients with marked agitation and/or anxiety, since these symptoms may be aggravated. CNS stimulants may also exacerbate symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder in psychotic patients, particularly children. Therapy with CNS stimulants should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of psychosis or a predisposition to agitated states.

Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, especially amphetamines, have significant potential for habituation and abuse. Tolerance, psychological dependence and severe social dysfunction can develop after prolonged use. Frank psychotic episodes may also occur in association with chronic intoxication. Therapy with CNS stimulants should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with a history of alcohol or substance abuse. The use of amphetamines is considered by manufacturers to be contraindicated in such patients.

The use of methylphenidate (racemic) or dexmethylphenidate (the more pharmacologically active d-enantiomer) is contraindicated in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma or anatomically narrow angles. These agents exhibit sympathomimetic activity and may induce transient mydriasis. In patients with narrow angles, pupillary dilation can provoke an acute attack of angle-closure glaucoma. If possible, methylphenidate should also be avoided in patients with other forms of glaucoma, since mydriasis may occasionally increase intraocular pressure.

Methylphenidate (racemic) and dexmethylphenidate (the more pharmacologically active d-enantiomer) exhibit sympathomimetic activity and may elevate blood pressure and pulse rate. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with hypertension. Blood pressure should be monitored periodically during therapy.

There is some clinical evidence that methylphenidate may lower the seizure threshold, occasionally even in patients without a history of seizures or prior EEG abnormalities. Therapy with methylphenidate (racemic) or dexmethylphenidate (the more pharmacologically active d-enantiomer) should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to seizures. The medication should be discontinued if seizures occur during its use.

Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants have been reported to exacerbate Tourette's syndrome and other motor and phonic tics. Therapy with CNS stimulants, if necessary, should be administered cautiously in patients with tic disorders or family history of Tourette's syndrome. The manufacturers of the CNS stimulants, methylphenidate (racemic) and dexmethylphenidate (the more pharmacologically active d-enantiomer), consider their use to be contraindicated in such patients.

Hematologic toxicity, including thrombocytopenia, easy bruisability, epistaxis, leukopenia, anemia and eosinophilia, has been reported rarely during use of methylphenidate. However, a causal relationship has not been established. Therapy with methylphenidate (racemic) or dexmethylphenidate (the more pharmacologically active d-enantiomer) should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting blood dyscrasias or bone marrow suppression. Periodic hematologic monitoring may be appropriate in all patients during prolonged therapy.

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Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) drug Interactions

There are 224 drug interactions with Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)

Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) food/lifestyle Interactions

There is 1 food/lifestyle interaction with Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)

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