About this information
This NHS content is written for people in England. Medicine names, availability, prescribing and services may differ in other countries.
Who can take methylphenidate
Most children aged 4 years old and over can be given methylphenidate.
Who may not be able to take methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is not suitable for all children. Check with your child's doctor before they start taking this medicine if they have:
- ever had an allergic reaction to methylphenidate or any other medicine
- difficulty swallowing, as some brands may not be suitable
- heart problems
- an overactive thyroid
- a tumour in the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma)
- mental health problems (or a close family member has mental health problems)
- high blood pressure or problems with their blood vessels, such as vasculitis
- epilepsy
- sudden muscle twitches in their face or body (tics), or a close family member has Tourette's syndrome
- glaucoma, or a close family member has it
View the original NHS website page ↗. Refreshed 19 August 2026.
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