quillichew er
Quillichew ER (Methylphenidate Hydrochloride) is a central nervous system stimulant used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Depressive Disorder, Narcolepsy.
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride · by Nextwave
Available as a generic: Methylphenidate Hydrochloride
⚠ FDA reports a current shortage of the tablet form — availability differs between suppliers — see drug shortages →Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Methylphenidate Hydrochloride
- Drug class
- Central Nervous System Stimulant
- Form
- Tablet, chewable, extended release
- Strength
- Methylphenidate Hydrochloride 20MG · Methylphenidate Hydrochloride 30MG · Methylphenidate Hydrochloride 40MG
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- Manufacturer
- Nextwave
- Half-life
- about 2.7 hours (how long it stays in your system)
- What the pharmacy pays
- ~$18.94 for 30 — not your price
- FDA application
- NDA207960
- FDA boxed warning
- Yes — see the boxed warning
What is Quillichew ER?
From the FDA label:QuilliChew ER (methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release chewable tablets) contains methylphenidate and methylphenidate hydrochloride. QuilliChew ER is available in three dosage strengths - 20 mg, 30 mg and 40 mg. The dosage strengths are expressed in terms of methylphenidate hydrochloride equivalents; however only 15% of methylphenidate is present as methylphenidate hydrochloride salt. The remaining 85% is present as methylphenidate complexed with sodium polystyrene sulfonate. QuilliChew ER contains the equivalent of approximately 30% immediate-release and 70% extended-release methylphenidate. Dosage Strength Dosage strength in terms of equivalent amount of methylphenidate HCl Dosage strength in terms of equivalent amount of methylphenidate Actual methylphenidate HCl content Actual Methylphenidate content 20 mg 20 mg 17.30 mg 3.00 mg 14.70 mg 30 mg 30 mg 25.95 mg 4.50 mg 22.05 mg 40 mg 40 mg 34.59 mg 6.00 mg 29.40 mg The QuilliChew ER extended-release chewable tablets are cherry flavored. Methylphenidate is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. The chemical name is methyl α- phenyl-2-piperidineacetate. Figure 1: Methylphenidate C 14 H 19 NO 2 Mol. Wt. 233.31 QuilliChew ER also contains the following inactive ingredients: aspartame [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 ) ] , cherry flavor, citric acid, crospovidone, D&C red #30 (for 30 mg strength), D&C red #7 (for 40…
How to use
QuilliChew ER may be taken with or without food. ( 2.1 ) For patients 6 years and above, recommended starting dose is 20 mg given orally once daily in the morning. Dosage may be titrated weekly in increments of 10 mg, 15 mg or 20 mg per day. Daily dosage above 60 mg is not recommended. ( 2.1 ) 2.1 Pretreatment Screening Prior to treating patients with QuilliChew ER, assess: for the presence of cardiac disease (i.e., perform a careful history, family history of sudden death or ventricular arrhythmia, and physical exam) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. the family history and clinically evaluate patients for motor or verbal tics or Tourette’s syndrome before initiating QuilliChew ER [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ]. 2.2 Recommended Dosage The recommended starting dosage of QuilliChew ER for patients 6 years and above is 20 mg once daily orally in the morning. The dose may be titrated up or down weekly in increments of 10 mg, 15 mg or 20 mg. The 10 mg and 15 mg doses can each be achieved by breaking in half the functionally scored 20 mg and 30 mg tablets, respectively. Daily doses above 60 mg have not been studied and are not recommended. As with any CNS stimulant, during titration of QuilliChew ER, the prescribed dose should be adjusted, if necessary, until a well-tolerated, therapeutic dose is achieved. 2.3 Administration Instructions QuilliChew ER should be orally…
Side effects
The following are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: • Known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate products or other ingredients of QuilliChew ER [see Contraindications (4.1) ] • Hypertensive Crisis When Used Concomitantly with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors [see Contraindications (4.2) , Drug Interactions (7.1) ] • Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2 , 9.3 )] • Risks to Patients with Serious Cardiac Disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Increased Blood Pressure and Heart Rate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Psychiatric Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Priapism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • Peripheral Vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] • Long-Term Suppression of Growth in Pediatric Patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] • Risks in Phenylketonuria [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] • Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] • Increased Intraocular Pressure and Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] • Motor and Verbal Tics, and Worsening of Tourette’s Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] Based on accumulated data from other methylphenidate products, the most common (≥5% and twice the rate of placebo) adverse reactions are…
FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)
Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label
QuilliChew ER has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including QuilliChew ER, can result in overdose and death [see Overdosage (10) ] , and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection. Before prescribing QuilliChew ER, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Educate patients and their families about these risks, proper storage of the drug, and proper disposal of any unused drug. Throughout QuilliChew ER treatment, reassess each patient’s risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2) ] . WARNING: ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. QUILLICHEW ER has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including QUILLICHEW ER, can result in overdose and death ( 5.1 , 9.2 , 10 ): Before prescribing QUILLICHEW ER, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction . Educate patients and their families about these risks, proper storage of the drug, and proper disposal of any unused drug . Throughout treatment, reassess each patient’s risk and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction.
Warnings
Important safety information
Risks to Patients with Serious Cardiac Disease: Avoid use in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, or other serious cardiac disease. ( 5.2 ) Increased Blood Pressure and Heart Rate: Monitor blood pressure and pulse. ( 5.3 ) Psychiatric Adverse Reactions: Prior to initiating QuilliChew ER, screen patients for risk factors for developing a manic episode. If new psychotic or manic symptoms occur, consider discontinuing QuilliChew ER. ( 5.4 ) Priapism: If abnormally sustained or frequent and painful erections occur, patients should seek immediate medical attention. ( 5.5 ) Peripheral Vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s Phenomenon: Careful observation for digital changes is necessary during QuilliChew ER treatment. Further clinical evaluation (e.g., rheumatology referral) may be appropriate for patients who develop signs or symptoms of peripheral vasculopathy. ( 5.6) Long-Term Suppression of Growth in Pediatric Patients: Closely monitor growth (height and weight) in pediatric patients. Pediatric patients not growing or gaining height or weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted. ( 5.7 ) Risks in Phenylketonurics: QuilliChew ER extended-release chewable tablets contain phenylalanine, a component of aspartame. ( 5.8 ) Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma: QuilliChew ER -treated patients considered at risk for acute angle closure glaucoma (e.g., patients with significant hyperopia) should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist. ( 5.9 ) Increased Intraocular Pressure (IOP) and Glaucoma: Prescribe QuilliChew ER to patients with open-angle glaucoma or abnormally increased IOP only if the benefit of treatment is considered to outweigh the risk. Closely monitor patients with a history of increased IOP or open angle glaucoma. ( 5.10 ) Motor and Verbal Tics, and Worsening of Tourette’s Syndrome: Before initiating QuilliChew ER, assess the family history and clinically evaluate patients for tics or Tourette’s syndrome. Regularly monitor patients for the emergence or worsening of tics or Tourette’s syndrome. Discontinue treatment if clinically appropriate. ( 5.11 ) 5.1 Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction QuilliChew ER has a high potential for abuse and misuse. The use of QuilliChew ER exposes individuals to the risks of abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. QuilliChew ER can be diverted for non-medical use into illicit channels or distribution [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2) ] . Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including QuilliChew ER, can result in overdose and death [see Overdosage (10) ] , and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection. Before prescribing QuilliChew ER, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Educate patients and their families about these risks and proper disposal of any unused drug. Advise patients to store QuilliChew ER in a safe place, preferably locked, and instruct patients to not give QuilliChew ER to anyone else. Throughout QuilliChew ER treatment, reassess each patient’s risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction. 5.2 Risks to Patients with Serious Cardiac Disease Sudden death has occurred in patients with structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious cardiac disease who were treated with CNS stimulants at the recommended ADHD dosage. Avoid QuilliChew ER use in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, or other serious cardiac disease. 5.3 Increased Blood Pressure and Heart Rate CNS stimulants cause an increase in blood pressure (mean increase approximately 2 to 4 mmHg) and heart rate (mean increase approximately 3 to 6 bpm). Some patients may have larger increases. Monitor all QuilliChew ER-treated patients for hypertension and tachycardia. 5.4 Psychiatric Adverse Reactions Exacerbation of Pre-existing Psychosis CNS stimulants may exacerbate symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder in patients with a pre-existing psychotic disorder. Induction of a Manic Episode in Patients with Bipolar Disorder CNS stimulants may induce a manic or mixed episode in patients. Prior to initiating QuilliChew ER treatment, screen patients for risk factors for developing a manic episode (e.g., comorbid or history of depressive symptoms or a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, or depression). New Psychotic or Manic Symptoms CNS stimulants, at the recommended dosage, may cause psychotic or manic symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusional thinking, or mania) in patients without a prior history of psychotic illness or mania. In a pooled analysis of multiple short-term, placebo-controlled studies of CNS stimulants, psychotic or manic symptoms occurred in approximately 0.1% of CNS stimulant-treated patients, compared to 0% of placebo-treated patients. If such symptoms occur, consider discontinuing QuilliChew ER. 5.5 Priapism Prolonged and painful erections, sometimes requiring surgical intervention, have been reported with methylphenidate use in both adult and pediatric male patients. Although priapism was not reported with methylphenidate initiation, it developed after some time on methylphenidate, often subsequent to an increase in dosage. Priapism also occurred during a period of methylphenidate withdrawal (drug holidays or during discontinuation). QuilliChew ER treated patients who develop abnormally sustained or frequent and painful erections should seek immediate medical attention. 5.6 Peripheral Vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s Phenomenon CNS stimulants, including QuilliChew ER, used to treat ADHD are associated with peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud's phenomenon. Signs and symptoms are usually intermittent and mild; however, sequelae have included digital ulceration and/or soft tissue breakdown. Effects of peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud's phenomenon, were observed in post-marketing reports and at the therapeutic dosages of CNS stimulants in all age groups throughout the course of treatment. Signs and symptoms generally improved after dosage reduction or discontinuation of the CNS stimulant. Careful observation of digital changes is necessary during QuilliChew ER treatment. Further clinical evaluation (e.g., rheumatology referral) may be appropriate for QuilliChew ER-treated patients who develop signs or symptoms of peripheral vasculopathy. 5.7 Long-Term Suppression of Growth in Pediatric Patients QuilliChew ER is not approved for use and is not recommended in pediatric patients below 6 years of age [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 ) ] . CNS stimulants have been associated with weight loss and slowing of growth rate in pediatric patients. Careful follow-up of weight and height in pediatric patients ages 7 to 10 years who were randomized to either methylphenidate or nonmedication treatment groups over 14 months, as well as in naturalistic subgroups of newly methylphenidate-treated and nonmedication-treated pediatric patients over 36 months (to the ages of 10 to 13 years), suggests that pediatric patients who received methylphenidate for 7 days per week throughout the year had a temporary slowing in growth rate (on average, a total of about 2 cm less growth in height and 2.7 kg less growth in weight over 3 years), without evidence of growth rebound during this development period. Closely monitor growth (weight and height) in QuilliChew ER-treated pediatric patients. Pediatric patients who are not growing or gaining height or weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted. 5.8 Risks in Patients with Phenylketonuria Phenylalanine can be harmful to patients with phenylketonuria (PKU). QuilliChew ER extended-release chewable tablets contain phenylalanine, a component of aspartame. Each 20 mg, 30…
Who should not take Quillichew ER
Known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or product components. ( 4.1 ) Concurrent treatment with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or use of an MAOI within the preceding 14 days. ( 4.2 , 7.1 ) 4.1 Hypersensitivity to Methylphenidate or other Components of QuilliChew ER QuilliChew ER is contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to methylphenidate, or other components of QuilliChew ER. Hypersensitivity reactions such as angioedema and anaphylactic reactions have been reported in patients treated with other methylphenidate products [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 ) ] . 4.2 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors QuilliChew ER is contraindicated during concomitant treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and also within 14 days following discontinuation of treatment with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), because of the risk of hypertensive crisis [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 ) ].
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
Clinical Effects of Overdose Overdose of CNS stimulants is characterized by the following sympathomimetic effects: Cardiovascular effects including tachyarrhythmias, and hypertension or hypotension. Vasospasm, myocardial infarction, or aortic dissection may precipitate sudden cardiac death. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy may develop. CNS effects including psychomotor agitation, confusion, and hallucinations. Serotonin syndrome, seizures, cerebral vascular accidents, and coma may occur. Life-threatening hyperthermia (temperatures greater than 104°F) and rhabdomyolysis may develop. Overdose Management Consider the possibility of multiple drug ingestion. The pharmacokinetic profile of QuilliChew ER should be considered when treating patients with overdose. Because methylphenidate has a large volume of distribution and is rapidly metabolized, dialysis is not useful. Consider contacting the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdose management recommendations.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
Antihypertensive Drugs: Monitor blood pressure. Adjust dosage of antihypertensive drug as needed. ( 7 ) 7.1 Clinically Important Drug Interactions MAOI Inhibitors Do not administer QuilliChew ER concomitantly with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days after discontinuing MAOI treatment. Concomitant use of MAOIs and CNS stimulants can cause hypertensive crisis. Potential outcomes include death, stroke, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, ophthalmological complications, eclampsia, pulmonary edema, and renal failure. Antihypertensive Drugs QuilliChew ER may decrease the effectiveness of drugs used to treat hypertension. Monitor blood pressure and adjust the dosage of the hypertensive drug as needed [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. Halogenated Anesthetics Concomitant use of halogenated anesthetics and QuilliChew ER may increase the risk of sudden blood pressure and heart rate increase during surgery. Avoid use of QuilliChew ER in patients being treated with anesthetics on the day of surgery. Risperidone Combined use of methylphenidate with risperidone when there is a change, whether an increase or decrease, in dosage of either or both medications, may increase the risk of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). Monitor for signs of EPS.
How long does Methylphenidate Hydrochloride stay in your body?
The elimination half-life of methylphenidate hydrochloride is about 2.7 hours — the time it takes the body to clear about half of it. As a rule of thumb, a medicine is mostly gone after roughly 4 to 5 half-lives, though this varies from person to person with age and kidney or liver function. This is the terminal elimination half-life of immediate-release methylphenidate in adults; the main metabolite (ritalinic acid) has little or no activity and does not extend the drug's action. Extended-release brands like Concerta and Ritalin LA don't change the molecule's true half-life — they only release it slowly, so their longer apparent duration comes from the delivery system, not slower elimination.
This is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t tell you when a drug test would read negative (tests detect substances for different, often longer, windows) or when it’s safe to take another dose — ask your pharmacist or prescriber. Source: METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE oral solution (DailyMed FDA label).
Drug class
How this class works, per Stimulants — StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf (NIH).
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
See how Quillichew ER ranks — best-rated central nervous system stimulant for:
Dosage forms
Tablet, chewable, extended release
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →
Request a 90-day supply
Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.
Use copay cards
Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Quillichew ER treat?
- Quillichew ER (Methylphenidate Hydrochloride) may be used to treat attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity, depressive disorder, narcolepsy, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How does Quillichew ER work?
- Quillichew ER is a central nervous system stimulant. CNS stimulants raise the levels of the brain's signaling chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, either by releasing more of them or by blocking their reuptake. This heightened activity in attention and arousal circuits increases alertness, energy, and focus.
- How much does Quillichew ER cost?
- Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $18.94 for 30, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins. Pharmacies pay less for a same-class option, Cafcit — about $2.58 on the same basis.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Quillichew ER?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Quillichew ER. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Quillichew ER?
- Quillichew ER is marketed by Nextwave. You can see Nextwave's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Quillichew ER a brand-name or generic drug?
- Quillichew ER is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Methylphenidate Hydrochloride. Lower-cost generic equivalents containing Methylphenidate Hydrochloride are available — ask your pharmacist.
- Is Quillichew ER available over the counter?
- No. Quillichew ER is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Quillichew ER come in?
- Quillichew ER is currently marketed as tablet, chewable, extended release, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Quillichew ER?
- Quillichew ER is classified as central nervous system stimulant, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Quillichew ER FDA-registered?
- Quillichew ER is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA207960. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Quillichew ER safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Quillichew ER. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Quillichew ER?
- Quillichew ER's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: • Known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate products or other ingredients of QuilliChew ER [see Contraindications (4.1) ] • Hypertensive Crisis When Used Concomitantly with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors [see Contraindicatio… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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