Daytrana is the registered trademark of the methylphenidate (MPH) patch developed by the Shire Corporation. It is unlike other compounds in that it is applied directly to the skin. Daytrana was approved in 2005 to treat ADHD in children between the ages of 6 and 12 and is applied to the child's hip 2 hours before symptom relief begins.

According to the Daytrana prescribing information, the most common side effects of Daytrana include decreased appetite, sleeplessness, sadness or crying, twitching, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, nasal congestion, inflammation of the nasal passages, and irritation of redness or itching at the site of application. If the person develops contact sensitization from Daytrana, it is possible that he or she would have the symptoms from any form of MPH, including Concerta and Ritalin LA, and could not take any of these drugs again. Other side effects seen with MPH, the active ingredient of Daytrana include dizziness, headache, fever, drowsiness, nervousness, allergic reactions, increased blood pressure, and psychosis such as abnormal thinking or hallucinations.

People who have a hypersensitivity to MPH, glaucoma, tics, or a family history of Tourette's or who are taking or recently took a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (a drug for depression) should not use Daytrana. Like other stimulant medications, Daytrana should not be used in children with structural cardiac abnormalities, and it should be used cautiously in people with hypertension.

The patch may be beneficial for those who have difficulty taking pills or medication that can be sprinkled on food. Another benefit is that the patch gives more flexibility in that it can be taken off if the person does not need the symptom control for the full 9 hours.

Other important facts about the patch include:

- Heat can increase the release of MPH from the Daytrana patch, and the person wearing the patch should avoid exposing it to a heating pad or electric blanket.

- Daytrana should not be applied under tight clothing.

- The site of application should be alternated each day.

- Daytrana should stay on even if the person is swimming, bathing, or exercising.

In May 2008, Shire Pharmaceuticals released the results of a new data analysis examining the differences between boys and girls ages 6 to 12 years. The study found that Daytrana had an established safety profile and effectively controlled ADHD symptoms in both boys and girls for the duration of the study. The study is important because only a modest amount of work has been done to examine the effect of ADHD treatment by gender. Shire reported figures from the CDC that 11 percent of boys have been diagnosed with ADHD, in contrast to 4.4 percent of girls. This discrepancy may exist because girls tend to be less disruptive and inattentive, whereas boys exhibit more hyperactivity and impulsivity. The 12-month study included 326 children who were divided into groups assigned to OROS, Daytrana, or placebo. Rating on an accepted scale showed a 78 percent improvement in both boys and girls. The study only used the placebo for 7 weeks. This patch is the first and only nonoral medication for treating ADHD in children for up to 12 months.

Bibliography:

FDA News Release. ''FDA Approves Methyphenidate Patch to Treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children.'' April 10, 2006

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