quillivant xr
Quillivant XR (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
- Suspension, extended release
- Strength
- Methylphenidate Hydrochloride 5MG/ML
- 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
- NDA202100
- FDA boxed warning
- Yes — see the boxed warning
What is Quillivant XR?
From the FDA label:QUILLIVANT XR is a powder that, after reconstitution with water, forms an extended-release oral suspension formulation of methylphenidate intended for once daily oral administration. QUILLIVANT XR contains approximately 20% immediate-release and 80% extended-release methylphenidate. After reconstitution, QUILLIVANT XR contains in each 1 mL the equivalent of 5 mg of methylphenidate hydrochloride, present as methylphenidate (4.32 mg) complexed with sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Methylphenidate HCl is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. The chemical name is methyl α-phenyl-2-piperidineacetate hydrochloride, and its structural formula is shown in Figure 1. Figure 1: Methylphenidate structure C 14 H 19 NO 2 Mol. Wt. 233.31 QUILLIVANT XR also contains the following inactive ingredients: sodium polystyrene sulfonate, povidone, triacetin, polyvinyl acetate, sucrose, anhydrous trisodium citrate, anhydrous citric acid, sodium benzoate, sucralose, poloxamer 188, corn starch, xanthan gum, talc, banana flavor, and silicon dioxide. chem draw without HCL
How to use
Before administering the dose, vigorously shake bottle for at least 10 seconds. ( 2.2 ) May be taken with or without food. ( 2.3 ) For patients 6 years and above, recommended starting dose is 20 mg given orally once daily in the morning. Dosage may be increased weekly in increments of 10 mg to 20 mg per day. Daily dosage above 60 mg is not recommended. ( 2.2 ) Reconstitution instructions for the pharmacist: Tap bottle until powder flows freely. Remove bottle cap, add specified amount of water for reconstitution. Insert bottle adapter into neck of bottle. Replace bottle cap. Shake with vigorous back and forth motion for at least 10 seconds to prepare suspension. ( 2.6 ) 2.1 Pretreatment Screening Prior to treating patients with QUILLIVANT XR, 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 QUILLIVANT XR [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ]. 2.2 Recommended Dosage Before administering the dose, VIGOROUSLY SHAKE the bottle of QUILLIVANT XR for at least 10 seconds, to ensure that the proper dose is administered. The recommended starting dose of QUILLIVANT XR for patients 6 years and above is 20 mg once daily in the…
Side effects
The following are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: Known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate products or other ingredients of QUILLIVANT XR [see Contraindications (4) ] Hypertensive Crisis When Used Concomitantly with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors [see Contraindications (4) , 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) ] Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Increased Intraocular Pressure and Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Motor and Verbal Tics, and Worsening of Tourette’s Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Based on accumulated data from other methylphenidate products, the most common (≥5% and twice the rate of placebo) adverse reactions are appetite decreased, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, weight decreased,…
FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)
Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label
ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION QUILLIVANT XR 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 QUILLIVANT XR, 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 QUILLIVANT XR, 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 QUILLIVANT XR 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) , Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2) ]. WARNING: ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. QUILLIVANT XR 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 QUILLIVANT XR, can result in overdose and death ( 5.1 , 9.2 , 10 ): Before prescribing QUILLIVANT XR, 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 QUILLIVANT XR, screen patients for risk factors for developing a manic episode. If new psychotic or manic symptoms occur, consider discontinuing QUILLIVANT XR. ( 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 QUILLIVANT XR 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 ) Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma : QUILLIVANT XR -treated patients considered at risk for acute angle closure glaucoma (e.g., patients with significant hyperopia) should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist. ( 5.8 ) Increased Intraocular Pressure (IOP) and Glaucoma : Prescribe QUILLIVANT XR 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. ( 5.9 ) Motor and Verbal Tics, and Worsening of Tourette’s Syndrome : Before initiating QUILLIVANT XR, 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. ( 5.10 ) 5.1 Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction QUILLIVANT XR has a high potential for abuse and misuse. The use of QUILLIVANT XR exposes individuals to the risks of abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. QUILLIVANT XR 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 QUILLIVANT XR, 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 QUILLIVANT XR, 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 QUILLIVANT XR in a safe place, preferably locked, and instruct patients to not give QUILLIVANT XR to anyone else. Throughout QUILLIVANT XR 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 QUILLIVANT XR 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 mm Hg) and heart rate (mean increase approximately 3 to 6 bpm). Some patients may have larger increases. Monitor all QUILLIVANT XR-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 QUILLIVANT XR 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 QUILLIVANT XR. 5.5 Priapism Prolonged and painful erections, sometimes requiring surgical intervention, have been reported with methylphenidate use in both adults 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 methylphenidate withdrawal (drug holidays or during discontinuation). QUILLIVANT XR-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 QUILLIVANT XR, 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 dosage 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 QUILLIVANT XR treatment. Further clinical evaluation (e.g., rheumatology referral) may be appropriate for QUILLIVANT XR-treated patients who develop signs or symptoms of peripheral vasculopathy. 5.7 Long-Term Suppression of Growth in Pediatric Patients QUILLIVANT XR is not approved and is not recommended for use 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 QUILLIVANT XR-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 Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma There have been reports of angle closure glaucoma associated with methylphenidate treatment. Although the mechanism is not clear, QUILLIVANT XR -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…
Who should not take Quillivant XR
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 QUILLIVANT XR QUILLIVANT XR is contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to methylphenidate, or other components of QUILLIVANT XR. 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 QUILLIVANT XR is contraindicated during 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 QUILLIVANT XR 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 QUILLIVANT XR 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 QUILLIVANT XR 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 QUILLIVANT XR may increase the risk of sudden blood pressure and heart rate increase during surgery. Monitor blood pressure and avoid use of QUILLIVANT XR 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 Quillivant XR ranks — best-rated central nervous system stimulant for:
Dosage forms
Suspension, 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.
Compare alternatives
A same-class option may cost less. See alternatives →
Frequently asked questions
- What does Quillivant XR treat?
- Quillivant XR (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 Quillivant XR work?
- Quillivant XR 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 Quillivant XR 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 Quillivant XR?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Quillivant XR. 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 Quillivant XR?
- Quillivant XR is marketed by Nextwave. You can see Nextwave's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Quillivant XR a brand-name or generic drug?
- Quillivant XR is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Methylphenidate Hydrochloride. Lower-cost generic equivalents containing Methylphenidate Hydrochloride are available — ask your pharmacist.
- Is Quillivant XR available over the counter?
- No. Quillivant XR 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 Quillivant XR come in?
- Quillivant XR is currently marketed as suspension, extended release, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Quillivant XR?
- Quillivant XR is classified as central nervous system stimulant, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Quillivant XR FDA-registered?
- Quillivant XR is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA202100. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Quillivant XR safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Quillivant XR. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Quillivant XR?
- Quillivant XR'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 QUILLIVANT XR [see Contraindications (4) ] Hypertensive Crisis When Used Concomitantly with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors [see Contraindications (4)… 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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