Effect of Methylphenidate Hydrochloride on Stature of Hyperactive Children

Abstract

Hyperactive children 26 receiving methylphenidate hydrochloride, 8 hyperactive nonmedicated children and 25 normal children participated in a study of the effect of such medication on stature of hyperactive children. All the children were < 13 yr of age, and all but 2 were male. Predicted adult stature before methylphenidate treatment and predicted adult stature after 1, 2 and 3 yr of treatment were calculated by means of the Roche-Weiner-Thissen Adult Stature Prediction Formula. Total Mg/day dosage, mg/k per day dosage and duration of treatment/yr were analyzed in the medicated hyperactive children, and their growth was compared with the other 2 groups. No significant differences were found for any of the above variables. Evidently, stature suppression does not occur in male children < 13 yr of age when methylphenidate is used up to 0.8mg/kg per day for 1 or 2 yr and up to 0.6mg/kg per day for 3 yr.