What is Methylphenidate ER (Cd)? Uses, warnings & side effects

Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions.

Please read the Medication Guide packaged with this drug.

Take only one capsule daily.

Take the capsule in the morning.

Doses can be taken with or without food, but take every dose the same way each time.

Swallow the capsule whole with water or other liquid.

If swallowing a capsule is difficult, it can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce and taken that way.

• Take the mixture within 10 minutes of preparing it.

• Do not chew.

Store methylphenidate

Only take methylphenidate ER (CD) doses in the morning.

Do not take a missed dose later in the day.

Instead, skip the dose and take the next dose the next morning.

Do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to methylphenidate.

Tell any healthcare provider or other healthcare professional who treats you that you or your child is treated with methylphenidate.

• This drug may need to be stopped before certain types of surgery.

There are no automatic refills each month. Each month’s prescription requires visiting with a healthcare professional licensed to prescribe psychiatric medications. Keep all appointments.

Tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you have:

• Heart problems

• Heart disease

• A heart defect

• High blood pressure

• Circulation problems in the feet or legs

• Eye problems, including glaucoma, high eye pressure, or narrow angles

• A personal or family history of psychiatric problems, including depression, bipolar disorder, or psychosis

• Tourette syndrome, motor tics, or a family history of Tourette syndrome

• Anxiety or frequent agitation

• A history of drug abuse or addiction

Methylphenidate can cause serious problems, including:

• Serious heart or blood vessel problems, including heart attack or stroke

• Circulation problems in the hands and feet

• High blood pressure

• Increased eye pressure

• Glaucoma

• Prolonged and painful erections

• Growth inhibition in children

Methylphenidate can worsen or bring on mental health problems such as anxiety, mania, psychosis, or motor tics.

Possible side effects include dizziness and blurred vision. Avoid driving or other risky activities until you know how this drug affects you.

Methylphenidate can be habit-forming and lead to abuse. Do not use more than prescribed. Talk to the prescriber if treatment does not seem to be working.

Methylphenidate is a federally controlled substance. Selling or giving this medicine to another person is hazardous and illegal.

Do not use methylphenidate if you are using or have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 14 days.

To avoid possibly significant drug interactions, tell the prescriber about all the drugs and supplements regularly taken, particularly:

• Other stimulants

• Drugs that treat depression

• Drugs that lower blood pressure

• Drugs that narrow blood vessels (vasopressors)

• Coumarin blood thinners (e.g., warfarin)

• The antipsychotic drug risperidone

Avoid drinking alcohol when taking extended-release methylphenidate. 

Tell other healthcare providers about methylphenidate before they prescribe new medications or schedule medical procedures that require inhaled anesthetics.