COTEMPLA XR-ODT is a once-daily medication taken in the morning
for the treatment of ADHD in patients 6 to 17 years of age.
How COTEMPLA XR-ODT may help your child
Take some time to review the results from our clinical study.

Clinical Study Results23

COTEMPLA XR-ODT was evaluated in a laboratory classroom setting that is similar to a child’s classroom at school. 87 patients aged 6 to 12 years with ADHD participated in the study.
Reference 23: American Psychiatric Association. Industry Briefs: Psychopharmacology — Cotempla XR‑ODT Improved ADHD Symptoms in Children. Psychiatric News. July 7, 2017. Accessed December 17, 2025. https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.pn.2017.pp7a4
COTEMPLA XR-ODT works fast. With ADHD symptom improvement throughout the day24

The SKAMP Rating Scale was used by independent trained professionals to measure a child’s attention, behavior and quality of work during the classroom testing day.

  • At 7am, children were given their assigned medication (COTEMPLA XR-ODT or Sugar Pill). Trained professionals did not know if a child was administered COTEMPLA XR-ODT or a sugar pill.
  • Next, the children began activities similar to a school day while trained professionals observed and rated their behaviors and interactions.
  • The trained raters completed SKAMP ratings for all study participants over 12 hours at: 8am, 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 5pm, 7pm, and 8pm.

Time (Hours) After Taking COTEMPLA XR-ODT or Sugar Pill

Children were rated on these 13 items with total scores ranging from 0 to 78. A lower score means fewer symptoms25.
Individual results may vary.

Reference 24: Childress AC, Kollins SH, Cutler AJ, Marraffino A, Sikes CR. Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of an Extended-Release Orally Disintegrating Methylphenidate Tablet in Children 6-12 Years of Age with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in the Laboratory Classroom Setting. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2017;27(1):66-74. doi:10.1089/cap.2016.0002 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5326982/
Reference 25: U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Clinical Pharmacology Review for Cotempla XR‑ODT (Methylphenidate Extended‑Release Orally Disintegrating Tablet). NDA 205489. June 14, 2017. Accessed December 17, 2025. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/pediatric/146_205489%20methylphenidate%20clinpharm%20resubmission%20prea.pdf
Key Findings from the Study26
COTEMPLA XR-ODT works fast – on average patients demonstrated a 61% improvement in ADHD Symptoms after 1 hour.
When taken in the morning, COTEMPLA XR-ODT improved the symptoms of ADHD throughout the day, even 12 hours after taking it.
COTEMPLA XR-ODT works – from the early part of the school day to homework time.
The most common side effects in >5% of study participants included: decreased appetite, stomach pain, headache, trouble sleeping, respiratory tract infection, mood swings, irritability, cough, and vomiting.
Reference 26: Childress AC, Cutler AJ, Marraffino A, et al. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of HLD200, a Delayed-Release and Extended-Release Methylphenidate, in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: An Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy Throughout the Day and Across Settings. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2020;30(1):2-14. doi:10.1089/cap.2019.0070 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7041320/

 

SKAMP RATING SCALE27

Children were rated on a scale of 0-6 for each item listed. (0= no impairment, 6 = maximal impairment) Each child in the study received a Total Score ranging from 0 to 78.

  1. Getting started on assignments for classroom periods
  2. Sticking with tasks or activities for the allotted time
  3. Participating in an activity or classroom discussion
  4. Stopping and making transition to the next period
  5. Interacting with other children (eg, other students)
  6. Interacting with adults (eg, teacher or aide)
  7. Remaining quiet according to classroom rules
  1. Staying seated according to classroom rules
  2. Completing assigned work
  3. Performing work accurately
  4. Being careful and neat while writing or drawing
  5. Complying with teacher’s usual requests or directions
  6. Following the rules established for the classroom
Reference 27: U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Clinical Pharmacology Review of Methylphenidate Extended‑Release Orally Disintegrating Tablets (PREA submission). FDA; 2017. Accessed December 17, 2025. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/pediatric/146_205489%20methylphenidate%20clinpharm%20resubmission%20prea.pdf

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Important Safety Information

WARNING: ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION
COTEMPLA XR-ODT 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 COTEMPLA XR-ODT, can result in overdose and death, and this risk is increased with higher doses of unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection.
Before prescribing COTEMPLA XR-ODT, 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 COTEMPLA XR-ODT treatment, reassess each patient’s risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction.
Indication
COTEMPLA XR-ODT is indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years of age.
Limitations of Use
The use of COTEMPLA XR-ODT is not recommended in pediatric patients younger than 6 years of age because they had higher plasma exposure and a higher incidence of adverse reactions (e.g., weight loss) than patients 6 years and older at the same dosage.
Contraindications
  • Known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or other ingredients in COTEMPLA XR-ODT. Hypersensitivity reactions such as angioedema and anaphylactic reactions have been reported in patients treated with methylphenidate products.
  • Concomitant treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and also within a minimum of 14 days following discontinuation of treatment with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor because of the risk of hypertensive crisis.
Warnings and Precautions
  • Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction: COTEMPLA XR-ODT has a high potential for abuse and misuse. The use of COTEMPLA XR-ODT exposes individuals to the risks of abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. COTEMPLA XR-ODT can be diverted for non-medical use into illicit channels or distribution. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including COTEMPLA XR-ODT, can result in overdose and death, and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection. Before prescribing COTEMPLA XR-ODT, 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 COTEMPLA XR-ODT in a safe place, preferably locked, and instruct patients not to give COTEMPLA XR-ODT to anyone else. Throughout COTEMPLA XR-ODT treatment, reassess each patient’s risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction.
  • 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 dosages. Avoid COTEMPLA XR-ODT use in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious cardiac arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, or other serious cardiac disease.
  • 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 COTEMPLA XR-ODT-treated patients for hypertension and tachycardia.
  • 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 COTEMPLA XR-ODT 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 COTEMPLA XR-ODT.
  • 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 after an increase in dosage. Priapism also occurred during methylphenidate withdrawal (drug holidays or during discontinuation). COTEMPLA XR-ODT-treated patients who develop abnormally sustained or frequent and painful erections should see immediate medical attention.
  • Peripheral Vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s Phenomenon: CNS stimulants, including COTEMPLA XR-ODT, 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 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 for digital changes is necessary during COTEMPLA XR-ODT treatment. Further clinical evaluation (e.g., rheumatology referral) may be appropriate for COTEMPLA XR-ODT-treated patients who develop signs or symptoms of peripheral vasculopathy.
  • Long-Term Suppression of Growth in Pediatric Patients: COTEMPLA XR-ODT is not approved for use and is not recommended in pediatric patients below 6 years of age. 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 COTEMPLA XR-ODT-treated pediatric patients who are not growing or gaining height and weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted.
  • Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma: There have been reports of angle closure glaucoma associated with methylphenidate treatment. Although the mechanism is not clear, COTEMPLA XR-ODT-treated patients considered at risk for acute angle closure glaucoma (e.g., patients with significant hyperopia) should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist.
  • Increased Intraocular Pressure and Glaucoma: There have been reports of an elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) associated with methylphenidate treatment. Prescribe COTEMPLA XR-ODT to patients with open-angle glaucoma or abnormally increased IOP only if the benefit of treatment is considered to outweigh the risk. Closely monitor COTEMPLA XR-ODT-treated patients with a history of abnormally increased IOP or open angle glaucoma.
  • Motor and Verbal Tics, and Worsening of Tourette’s Syndrome: CNS stimulants, including methylphenidate, have been associated with the onset or exacerbation of motor and verbal tics. Worsening of Tourette’s syndrome has also been reported. Before initiating COTEMPLA XR-ODT, assess the family history and clinically evaluate patients for tics or Tourette’s syndrome. Regularly monitor COTEMPLA XR-ODT-treated patients for the emergence or worsening of tics or Tourette’s syndrome and discontinue treatment if clinically appropriate.
Adverse Reactions
Adverse Reactions in Studies with Other Methylphenidate Products in Children, Adolescents, and Adults with ADHD: Commonly reported (≥2% of the methylphenidate group and at least twice the rate of the placebo group) adverse reactions from placebo-controlled trials of methylphenidate products include:
  • Appetite decreased
  • Weight decreased
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dyspepsia
  • Dry mouth
  • Vomiting
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Nervousness
  • Restlessness
  • Affect lability
  • Agitation
  • Irritability
  • Dizziness
  • Vertigo
  • Tachycardia
  • Palpitations
  • Hyperhidrosis
  • Pyrexia
  • Tremor
  • Blurred Vision
  • Blood pressure increased
  • Heart rate increased
Adverse Reactions in Studies with COTEMPLA XR-ODT in Children with ADHD: There is limited experience with COTEMPLA XR-ODT in controlled trials. Based on this limited experience, the adverse reaction profile of COTEMPLA XR-ODT appears similar to other methylphenidate extended release-products.
Drug Interactions
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI): 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. Do not administer COTEMPLA XR-ODT concomitantly with MAOIs or within 14 days after discontinuing MAOI treatment.
  • Gastric pH Modulators: May change the release profile and alter the pharmacodynamics of COTEMPLA XR-ODT. Concomitant use of COTEMPLA XR-ODT with a gastric pH modulator (i.e., a H2-blocker or a proton pump inhibitor) is not recommended.
  • Antihypertensive Drugs: COTEMPLA XR-ODT may decrease the effectiveness of drug used to treat hypertension. Monitor blood pressure and adjust the dosage of the antihypertensive drug as needed.
  • Halogenated Anesthetics: Concomitant use of halogenated anesthetics and COTEMPLA XR-ODT may increase the risk of sudden blood pressure and heart rate increase during surgery. Avoid use of COTEMPLA XR-ODT 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.
Pregnancy and Lactation
  • Fetal/Neonatal adverse reactions: CNS stimulants, such as COTEMPLA XR-ODT, can cause vasoconstriction and thereby decrease placental perfusion. No fetal and/or neonatal adverse reactions have been reported with the use of therapeutic doses of methylphenidate during pregnancy; however, premature delivery and low birth weight infants have been reported in amphetamine-dependent mothers.
  • Lactation: Monitor breastfeeding infants for adverse reactions, such as agitation, insomnia, anorexia, and reduced weight gain.
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of COTEMPLA XR-ODT have not been established in pediatric patients below the age of 6 years. In studies evaluating extended-release methylphenidate products, patients 4 to <6 years of age had higher systemic methylphenidate exposures than those observed in older pediatric patients at the same dosage. Pediatric patients 4 to <6 years of age also had a higher incidence of adverse reactions, including weight loss.
The safety and effectiveness of COTEMPLA XR-ODT have been established in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years of age in one adequate and well-controlled study in pediatric patients 6 to 12 years, pharmacokinetic data in adolescents, and safety information from other methylphenidate-containing products.
Please click here for Full Prescribing Information.