AAP News Vol. 15 No. 2 February 1999, p. 6
© 1999 American Academy of Pediatrics
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Pediatricians should ease concerns about methylphenidate

Jennifer Lutgert

In the wake of media warnings about heart problems linked to the use of psychotropic drugs, pediatricians should reassure parents and patients that methylphenidate (Ritalin) continues to be a safe and effective way to treat children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), said Robert Ward, M.D., AAP Committee on Drugs chair.

"For most patients, Ritalin does not have a significant adverse cardiac effect," Dr. Ward said. "Administering Ritalin is probably safer than giving antihistamines or erythromycin antibiotics."

The American Heart Association (AHA) recently issued cautions on the use of psychotropic medications in treating ADHD. The AHA warned that cardiac arrhythmias could occur with use of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine and desipramine. These drugs have been associated with at least seven reported deaths of children and adolescents.