Table 1a. Selected immediate-release stimulant preparations and dosing for children with ADHD.^13,23–25.

Medications	Medication Formulations	Dosages and Increments	Maximum Dosage/⁠Day	Duration of Action
Methylphenidate	5, 10, 20 mg tablets 2.5, 5, 10 mg chewable tablets 5 mg/5 mL flavored oral solution 10 mg/5 mL flavored oral solution	5 mg once per day on Day 1, then 5 mg 2 times per day, increments of 5 mg/day can be made every 3 to 7 days Children ≤ 25 kg may be started with 2.5 mg per day and increased by 2.5 mg/day every 3 to 7 days	For children ≤ 25: 35 mg For children 25 kg or more: 60 mg	3-5 hrs
Dexmethylphenidate	2.5, 5, 10 mg tablets, non-scored	For patients not on methyphenidate use: 2.5 mg 2 times/day, increments of 2.5 to 5 mg/day every 3 to 7 days. For patients already on methyphenidate use: dose is one-half current daily dose up to 10 mg 2 times/day	20 mg	6-8 hrs
Amphetamine	5, 10 mg tablets, scored 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20 mg orally disintegrating tablets	For 3-5 years: 2.5mg daily, increments of 2.5 mg/day every 7 days For ≥ 6 years: 5 mg 1 or 2 times/day, increments of 2.5 mg to 5 mg/day every 7 days depending on the formulation	40mg	4-6 hrs
Dextroamphetamine	2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 (scored), 15, 20, 30 mg tablets 5 mg/5 mL flavored oral solution	For 3 to 5 years: 2.5 mg once on Day 1, then 2.5 mg 2 times per day, increments of 2.5 mg/day every 3-7 days For ≥ 6 years: 5 mg once on Day 1, then 5 mg 2 times/day; increments of 5 mg/day every 3-7 days	For 3-5 years: 20 mg For ≥ 6 years and ≤ 50 kg: 40 mg For ≥ 6 years and ≤ 50 kg: 60 mg*	4-6 hrs

Doses of immediate-release preparations are given in the morning on rising and at lunch time 4 to 6 hours later. *Doses above 40 mg per day total are rarely needed and warrant close monitoring for adverse effects.