Daytrana; The ADHD Patch

As the most widely studied childhood disorder, ADHD treatments and programs remain at the forefront of pediatric and psychiatric professionals in addition to focus by school educators and parents. In small children, generally under the age of 12, parents often find the administration of ADHD prescribed oral medications are difficult as many children simply may not be able to, nor want to, swallow a pill. With the advance in pediatric ADHD treatment, the development of an ADHD patch, Daytrana, will allow for a more versatile approach to treatment in small children. Understanding the concept behind the patch, the side effects and contraindications will enable parents to make informed decisions regarding the care of a young ADHD child.

Daytrana, the ADHD patch manufactured by Noven Pharmaceuticals, is the size of a credit card. Offering nine continuous and sustained release hours of methylphenidate, the ADHD patch, Daytrana, is considered an ideal alternative to traditional oral pill forms of the methylphenidate, such as Ritalin and Concerta. Targeted primarily to children ages six to 12, the patch is expected to treat approximately 15 percent of the ADHD pediatric population. Placed at the hip location of the child, the disadvantage to the patch usage is in the ability of the child to remove the patch at any point of the day. However, with proper training, most children will find the therapeutic results are significant enough to result in non-removal of the patch.