Effect of methylphenidate on cardiorespiratory responses in hyperactive children.

Abstract Methylphenidate (Ritalin®) is used for the treatment of hyperactivity in children. The effect of methylphenidate on cardiorespiratory responses during rest and exercise conditions was studied in 20 hyperactive children. Each child was studied during both medicated and placebo conditions (double-blind) with respect to heart rate and oxygen consumption. Heart rate was found to be elevated during methylphenidate medication at rest ( DIFF = 14.2 bpm) and during a 5-min submaximal treadmill walk ( DIFF = 9.2 bpm). The increased heart rate was independent of the work output as reflected by the oxygen consumption of the walk. Tolerance to methylphenidate usage did not appear to develop, although there was a trend toward increased heart rate response to both rest and exercise with an increase in methylphenidate dosage.

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