Starting Daytrana®
What size is the patch?
The Daytrana patch comes in four sizes, each with a different dosage strength. The usual starting dose is 10mg. It's important to work with your doctor to determine which dose will provide the symptom relief your child needs. Read more
How do you apply Daytrana?
Just peel, place, and press once each day to apply Daytrana to the hip, alternating hip placement. Once applied, the patch starts to work in 2 hours, and the effects can continue for up to 3 hours after removal. Watch the video demonstration
Does the patch cause skin irritation?
Because the Daytrana patch is applied to the skin, you may notice mild skin redness or itching. Read the important skin care tips to help manage irritation that may occur. Read more
Getting started
Children come in different sizes. Daytrana does, too.
The once-a-day Daytrana patch comes in four sizes. Each size delivers a different dosage strength designed to help manage the symptoms of ADHD in children ages 6-17. The suggested starting dose is 10 mg for both patients new to methylphenidate and for patients switching from another ADHD medication. To achieve the right results, the dosage may need to be gradually increased. Together, you and your doctor will find the right dose to help your child get the most out of the Daytrana patch. The patch provides up to 10 hours of efficacy when worn for up to 9 hours—the maximum recommended wear time.
- 10mg | 1.1mg/hr | 1.401"
- 15mg | 1.6mg/hr | 1.946"
- 20mg | 2.2mg/hr | 2.592"
- 30mg | 3.3mg/hr | 3.884"
NOTE: Because the medicine in the Daytrana patch does not have to be processed through the stomach, dosage strengths may be different from oral ADHD medications.
Applying & removing Daytrana
Watch the "Peel, Place, and Press: Using Daytrana" video to learn how to apply Daytrana.
PEEL. PLACE. PRESS.
When applied correctly, the Daytrana patch should stay in place for the full duration of treatment. Exposure to water during bathing, swimming, or showering may affect how well the patch sticks. Be sure to follow the 6 simple steps below to ensure maximum staying power.
- Carefully cut open the pouch containing the patch, and make sure it is not damaged. The patch should separate easily from the protective liner. Do not use patches that have been cut or damaged in any way. Throw away the patch if the protective liner is hard to remove.
- Hold the patch with the protective liner facing you—the word "Daytrana" will appear backwards since you are looking at the back of the patch.
- Gently bend the patch along the faint line, and slowly peel half the liner to expose the sticky surface underneath. Try to avoid touching the sticky part with your fingers. If you do touch it, wash your hands immediately after application.
- Place the sticky side of the patch firmly on the hip and smooth it down. Make sure the skin is clean, dry, and cool without any powder, lotion, or oil. Alternate the hip on which the patch is worn each day to reduce potential irritation. Try not to use the same application site on either hip for several days.
- Gently fold back the other half and slowly peel off the remaining protective liner.
- Press the entire patch firmly into place and hold for about 30 seconds. This ensures good adhesion of the patch to the skin. Go over the edges with your fingers to make sure that it's well placed and secure
NOTE: Wash your hands immediately after applying the patch. Patches should not be reapplied with bandages, tape, or other household adhesives. Also, do not use hair dryers, heating pads, electric blankets, or other heat sources directly on the patch. If you have to replace a patch that has fallen off, the total wear time for the first and second patch should not be more than a total of 9 hours in 1 day. Do not reapply the same patch that fell off.
The Daytrana patch can be easily removed in 3 simple steps.
- Peel the patch off slowly, then fold the used patch in half so that it sticks to itself.
- Flush the used patch down the toilet or, if you have a septic tank, dispose of it in a lidded trash receptacle.
- Remove any adhesive residue from the skin by gently rubbing the area with oil or lotion.
NOTE: Any unneeded or expired Daytrana patches should be disposed of properly. Remove patches from their protective pouches, peel off the liners, and fold the sticky sides together. Then flush the patches down the toilet or throw away in a lidded trash receptacle. Proper disposal is important since unneeded or expired patches still contain medication that could be harmful to small children or pets if touched or consumed.
Daytrana skin care tips
Manage skin irritation with Daytrana skin care tips.
Because the Daytrana patch is applied to the skin, you and your child may notice mild skin redness or itching. This is common when using Daytrana, and in most cases skin irritation disappears within 24 hours. To get the most benefit when using the Daytrana patch, follow the ABCs of managing skin irritation below.
lternate where you apply the patch
To minimize potential skin side effects, use Daytrana as prescribed and remember to alternate which hip you apply the patch to each day. Try not to use the same application site on either hip for several days.
e gentle
Always remove the patch gently from your child's skin. If needed, use an oil-based product such as petroleum jelly or olive oil to remove patch adhesive residue from skin. Mild soaps are also recommended.
lean, dry, apply
Before you apply a new Daytrana patch, your child's skin must be clean and dry, with NO powder, oil, lotion, cuts, or irritation. Do not wash with soap or apply creams or lotions immediately before applying the patch. Redness is common and may not be a reason to stop treatment. Redness does not mean a rash.
NOTE: It is possible to develop an allergic reaction to Daytrana. Be sure to tell your child's doctor about any skin rash that develops in areas where Daytrana has been applied. Your child's doctor can determine if the rash is irritation or an allergic skin rash. If redness is accompanied by a more intense skin reaction that does not significantly improve within 48 hours or spreads beyond the patch site, discontinue use and contact your physician. Patients allergic to Daytrana may not be able to take methylphenidate in any form.