Has your child been prescribed a patch by the doctor because he has attention problems, that is, ADHD? This may seem a bit new to you. There are a few things we need to be careful about when using this medication. But don't worry, we will talk about all of this very simply and clearly today.
What kind of medicine is this really?
This patch contains a drug called methylphenidate . Simply put, it is a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD) . It belongs to a class of drugs called stimulants .
This medication works by slightly altering brain function, helping the child focus and control impulsive, disruptive behavior. Sometimes, doctors may also prescribe this medication for other conditions.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before giving this medicine to yourself or your child, it is important to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. This is very important, as using this medicine with certain medical conditions can be dangerous.
| Medical condition/problem | Things to watch out for |
|---|---|
| Heart disease and blood pressure | High blood pressure, heart disease, congenital heart defects, atherosclerosis or blockages, or stroke. |
| Mental health problems | Severe anxiety, panic attacks, other mental illnesses, suicidal thoughts or attempts (in yourself or someone in your family). |
| Other medical conditions | Liver disease, glaucoma, thyroid disease, seizures, motor tics or Tourette's syndrome, or vitiligo (white patches on the skin) if you or someone in your family has it. |
| Allergies and other issues | Having an allergic reaction to methylphenidate or other medications, foods, or preservatives. Having an addiction to drugs or alcohol. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How exactly do I use this patch?
Since this is a patch that is applied to the skin, it is very important to know how to use it correctly.
1. Where to apply: Apply the patch to the hip area . Change the hip every day. If you applied it to the right hip today, apply it to the left hip tomorrow. Do not apply it to areas with wounds, redness, or oiliness.
2. Time to apply: Generally, the patch should be applied 2 hours before the medication is needed. For example, if the child needs attention at school, apply it early in the morning.
3. How to apply: Carefully remove the release liner from the patch and apply it to dry, clean skin. Do not apply it where the adhesive tape will touch. It may come off with clothing. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying the patch. Do not use a cut or torn patch.
4. Removal time: Remove the patch after the prescribed number of hours (e.g., 9 hours) as directed by your doctor. After removing the patch, fold it in half, stick the sticky sides together, and throw it in a trash can. Never flush it down the toilet.
5. Most importantly: Do not apply heat to the area where the patch is applied. This means do not place heating pads, electric blankets, or hot water bottles. Doing so can cause the body to absorb too much medicine from the patch at once. This is dangerous.
What if you accidentally take too much medicine? If you think this has happened, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Special considerations when using this medicine
There are a few things we need to pay attention to while using this patch.
Changes in Skin Color
This is very important. Some people may experience permanent loss of skin color in and around the area where the patch was applied, resulting in white spots . Sometimes, these white spots may appear in areas where the patch was never applied. If you notice this, tell your doctor immediately .
Effects on fingers
Some people may experience numbness, pain, or a feeling that their fingers and toes are turning pale, blue, and then red again when using this medicine. This is called Raynaud's phenomenon . If you experience this, tell your doctor.
Special awareness for male children/individuals
Although very rare, some boys or men may experience an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours or is painful. This is a serious medical condition , so if this happens, you should see a doctor immediately to get treatment before permanent damage occurs.
Appetite and growth
It is common to experience a loss of appetite when starting this medication. As a solution, you can feed your child small amounts of food several times a day, rather than large meals at once. If you are giving this medication to a child, the doctor will regularly check the child's height and weight .
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common. It's important to be aware of these.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Increased blood pressure | Increased blood pressure. |
| Mental and behavioral changes | Extreme anxiety, restlessness, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, and increased anger. |
| Stroke in adults | Sudden numbness/weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor side effects | Headache, nausea, insomnia, loss of appetite, weight loss, blurred vision. |
Take-Home Message
- Use the patch exactly as your doctor tells you, at the prescribed dose and time. Never change the dose at your own discretion.
- Tell the doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and medical conditions you or your child are taking.
- If you notice any changes in skin color (white spots), pain in your fingers, or any changes in color, inform your doctor immediately.
- Avoid exposing the patch to heat. Avoid bathing in hot water or exposing it to sunlight.
- This medicine is very powerful. Never give your medicine to anyone else . It is very dangerous and against the law.
- Store medication in a safe place out of reach of children and pets.
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