§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the use of the drug methylphenidate hydrochloride in the treatment of children with attention deficit disorder; what research his Department is funding into side effects of methylphenidate hydrochloride; and if he will make a statement. [70909]
§ Ms JowellMethylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin) has been assessed by the normal procedures for authorisation of a medicinal product in the United Kingdom to ensure its quality, safety and efficacy in the indication for use; in this case, the treatment of children over 6 years with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, where remedial measures alone have failed. The marketing authorisation states that it should be part of a comprehensive treatment programme including psychological, educational and social measures, under the supervision of a specialist in childhood behavioural disorders.
As for all medicines, the safety of methylphenidate continues to be monitored by the Medicines Control Agency after it has been marketed. If new safety issues are identified, regulatory action is taken to update the authorised product information or take other appropriate action.