UNEXPECTED INTERACTION OF METHYLPHENIDATE (RITALIN(R)) WITH ANESTHETIC AGENTS

We report difficulty with conscious sedation of a child taking methylp henidate for attention deficit disorder and possible delayed adverse i nteraction of ketamine and methylphenidate resulting in severe nausea, vomiting and dehydration. The effects of methylphenidate and its pote ntial interactions with anaesthetic agents is discussed. We suggest th at anaesthesiologists who provide sedation or anaesthesia to patients receiving methylyhenidate be aware of the potential need for high seda tive doses and the possibility of undesirable interactions.