Indications & Uses
Alaradate tablet is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
Pharmacology
Methylphenidate (MPH) has been shown to act as a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), thereby increasing the presence of these neurotransmitters in the space outside the neurons and prolonging their action. Psychostimulants show a dose-related effect on receptor stimulation: higher doses increase norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) efflux throughout the brain, which can impair cognition and produce locomotor-activating effects. Low doses, by contrast, selectively activate NE and DA neurotransmission within the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain thought to play a prominent role in ADHD pathophysiology, thereby improving clinical efficacy while limiting side effects. The lower doses used to treat ADHD are not associated with the locomotor-activating effects seen at higher doses; instead, they reduce movement and impulsivity and increase cognitive function, including sustained attention and working memory. Methylphenidate's beneficial effects on sustained attention also appear to be mediated by alpha-1 adrenergic receptor activity.
Clinical findings show that children with ADHD have an abnormality in the dopamine transporter gene (DAT1), the D4 receptor gene (DRD4), and/or the D2 receptor gene, which may be at least partly overcome by methylphenidate's dopaminergic effects, suggesting a possible mode of action.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
For adults, Methylphenidate Hydrochloride is usually started at 10 to 15 mg daily, divided into 2 to 3 doses. The average dose is 20 to 30 mg daily, though some patients need 40 to 60 mg daily. If a patient can't sleep when a dose is taken late in the day, the last dose should be taken before 6 pm.
Side Effects
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride can cause sleep disturbances, restlessness, dizziness, headache, tremor and convulsion. Skin reactions are also reported, including rash, pruritis (itching), urticaria, exfoliative dermatitis and erythema multiforme. Other effects include fever, arthralgia, alopecia, thrombocytopenic purpuria, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia and urinary disorder. Very rarely, it may cause liver damage.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Use with caution in mild hypertension (do not use if moderate or severe)-monitor blood pressure; caution in past epilepsy, tics, or Tourette syndrome. Rarely causes ovarian cysts in premenopausal women or high calcium if bone metastases are present; raises thromboembolism risk with cytotoxic drugs; avoid while breast feeding; may cause endometrial changes; caution in porphyria.
Contraindications
Methylphenidate should not be used by people who drink heavily, drug abusers, or those who are emotionally unstable. It is also contraindicated in patients with high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, psychotic disorders, epilepsy, an overactive thyroid, or glaucoma, as well as those with marked anxiety or severe depression, and anyone known to be sensitive to the drug.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Safety in pregnancy and while breastfeeding has not been established for methylphenidate.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Storage
Keep Methylphenidate Hydrochloride in a cool, dry place, below 25°C and away from light. Always keep it out of the reach of children.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Cognium 5 5 mg
What is Cognium 5 5 mg Tablet?
Cognium 5 5 mg Tablet is a medicine that contains Methylphenidate Hydrochloride. It is made by Pharmasia Ltd. It belongs to the CNS stimulant drugs group of medicines.
What is Cognium 5 used for?
Alaradate tablet is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
What are the side effects of Cognium 5?
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride can cause sleep disturbances, restlessness, dizziness, headache, tremor and convulsion. Skin reactions are also reported, including rash, pruritis (itching), urticaria, exfoliative dermatitis and erythema multiforme.
Can I take Cognium 5 during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Safety in pregnancy and while breastfeeding has not been established for methylphenidate. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How should I store Cognium 5?
Keep Methylphenidate Hydrochloride in a cool, dry place, below 25°C and away from light. Always keep it out of the reach of children.
Can I take other medicines with Cognium 5?
Some medicines can interact with Methylphenidate Hydrochloride, for example: Phenytoin, Phenytoin Sodium, Imipramine Hydrochloride, Fosphenytoin Sodium. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Cognium 5?
Cognium 5 is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.