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Biphentin

(methylphenidate controlled release)

In this factsheet:
• How does Biphentin work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Biphentin?
• What form(s) does Biphentin come in?
• Who should NOT take Biphentin?
• What side effects are possible with Biphentin?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Biphentin?
• What other drugs could interact with Biphentin?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Biphentin work? What will it do for me?

Methylphenidate controlled release belongs to the family of medications known as stimulants. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It helps to increase attention and decrease restlessness in children 6 years of age and older, adolescents, and adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD.

Other measures (e.g., psychological, educational, and social therapies) are used along with methylphenidate controlled release as part of an overall treatment program for ADHD.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Biphentin?

The dose of methylphenidate controlled release is determined according to the needs of the person taking the medication. The dose is usually started low and increased gradually at weekly intervals.

For people who are not already taking methylphenidate, the usual starting dose is 10 mg once daily in the morning, at breakfast.

For people already taking methylphenidate controlled release, the starting dose depends on the dose being taken. The maximum dose is 60 mg daily for children 6 years and older and 80 mg daily for adults.

Swallow this medication whole with water or other liquids. Do not crush or chew the capsules. If desired, the capsule may be opened and the contents of the capsule (the medication) may be sprinkled onto apple sauce, ice cream, or yogurt.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones above, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Biphentin come in?

10 mg
Each controlled release capsule with white body and light turquoise blue cap, imprinted with "Biphentin" and "10 mg", contains methylphenidate HCl 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: gelatin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methyl acrylic acid copolymer, polyethylene glycol, sugar beads, talc, and triethyl citrate; capsule shell: FD&C Blue No. 1 and titanium dioxide.

15 mg
Each controlled release capsule with white body and orange cap, imprinted with "Biphentin" and "15 mg", contains methylphenidate HCl 15 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: gelatin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methyl acrylic acid copolymer, polyethylene glycol, sugar beads, talc, and triethyl citrate; capsule shell: D&C Red No. 28, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Red No. 40, and titanium dioxide.

20 mg
Each controlled release capsule with white body and yellow cap, imprinted with "Biphentin" and "20 mg", contains methylphenidate HCl 20 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: gelatin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methyl acrylic acid copolymer, polyethylene glycol, sugar beads, talc, and triethyl citrate; capsule shell: D&C Red No. 33, D&C Yellow No. 10, and titanium dioxide.

30 mg
Each controlled release capsule with white body and blue violet cap, imprinted with "Biphentin" and "30 mg", contains methylphenidate HCl 30 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: gelatin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methyl acrylic acid copolymer, polyethylene glycol, sugar beads, talc, and triethyl citrate; capsule shell: FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 3, and titanium dioxide.

40 mg
Each controlled release capsule with white body and pink cap, imprinted with "Biphentin" and "40 mg", contains methylphenidate HCl 40 reg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: gelatin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methyl acrylic acid copolymer, polyethylene glycol, sugar beads, talc, and triethyl citrate; capsule shell: D&C Red No. 28, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, and titanium dioxide.

50 mg
Each controlled release capsule with white body and light green cap, imprinted with "Biphentin" and "50 mg", contains methylphenidate HCl 50 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: gelatin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methyl acrylic acid copolymer, polyethylene glycol, sugar beads, talc, and triethyl citrate; capsule shell: D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Green No. 3, and titanium dioxide.

60 mg
Each controlled release capsule with white body and iron grey cap, imprinted with "Biphentin" and "60 mg", contains methylphenidate HCl 60 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: gelatin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methyl acrylic acid copolymer, polyethylene glycol, sugar beads, talc, and triethyl citrate; capsule shell: Black Iron oxide and titanium dioxide.

80 mg
Each controlled release capsule with white body and reddish orange cap, imprinted with "Biphentin" and "80 mg", contains methylphenidate HCl 80 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: gelatin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methyl acrylic acid copolymer, polyethylene glycol, sugar beads, talc, and triethyl citrate; capsule shell: FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 6, D&C Yellow No. 10, and titanium dioxide.

Who should NOT take Biphentin?

Methylphenidate controlled release should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to methylphenidate or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• is taking an monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine) or has taken one in the last 14 days
• has an overactive thyroid gland
• has advanced hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis)
• has anxiety, tension, or agitation
• has glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
• has heart disease
• has moderate-to-severe high blood pressure
• has motor tics, Tourette's syndrome, or a family history of Tourette's syndrome

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