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Ritalin puts some at risk, group says

 
By The Associated Press    Comment on this article Leave a comment
Published: April 22, 2008

NEW YORK — Children should be screened for heart problems with an electrocardiogram before getting drugs like Ritalin to treat hyperactivity and attention-deficit disorder, the American Heart Association recommended Monday.

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Drug maker questioned
The Chinese manufacturer of a heparin ingredient does not have adequate systems for ensuring the raw materials it uses are safe and that any impurities are removed, the Food and Drug Administration said Monday. Until it complies, the agency will recommend disapproval of any new applications listing the company as the manufacturer of any active pharmaceutical ingredient.

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Stimulant drugs can increase blood pressure and heart rate. In children with heart conditions, it could make them more vulnerable to sudden cardiac arrest and other heart problems.

The heart group now recommends a thorough exam, including a family history and an EKG, before children are put on the drugs to make sure that they don't have any undiagnosed heart issues.

"We don't want to keep children who have this from being treated. We want to do it as safely as possible,” said Dr. Victoria Vetter, a pediatric cardiologist at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and head of the committee making the recommendation.

But Dr. Steven Pliszka, a child psychiatrist at the University of Texas in San Antonio, said he was baffled by the EKG recommendation. He said there's no evidence sudden death is a bigger problem for children on stimulants than for children not taking the drugs.

What are the drugs?
About 2.5 million American children and 1.5 million adults take medication for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, according to government estimates. Stimulant drugs like Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta, help patients children with ADHD to stay focused.

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Related Topics: Science and Technology, Technology, Health and Fitness, Medical Technology, Attention Deficit Disorders, Learning and Developmental Disorders, Cardiovascular Medicine



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