26/01/2009 (Agence Europe) - The European Medicines Agency has made recommendations for the safer use of Ritalin and other methylphenidate-containing medicines in the EU. The agency has concluded that these medicines remain suitable for the treatment of children aged six or older and adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It recommends, however, that product information should be contain further information, inter alia (1) before treatment, all patients should be screened to see if they have any problems with blood pressure or heart rate (including a family history of such problems), (2) regular monitoring of blood pressure and heart rhythm, (3) regular monitoring for psychiatric symptoms, (4) monitoring of height and weight. The agency also recommends that doctors interrupt treatment at least once a year to determine whether it is still necessary. Fuller information is available on the agency website: http://www.emea.europa.eu (O.L./transl.rt)