Last reviewed · How we verify
Long acting methylphenidate
Long-acting methylphenidate is a sustained-release formulation of a central nervous system stimulant that increases dopamine and norepinephrine availability in the brain by inhibiting their reuptake.
Long-acting methylphenidate is a sustained-release formulation of a central nervous system stimulant that increases dopamine and norepinephrine availability in the brain by inhibiting their reuptake. Used for Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Narcolepsy.
At a glance
| Generic name | Long acting methylphenidate |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Concerta, • Concerta, • Metadate CD, • Methylin ER, • Ritalin LA |
| Sponsor | University of California, Los Angeles |
| Drug class | Sympathomimetic amine; CNS stimulant |
| Target | Dopamine transporter (DAT); Norepinephrine transporter (NET) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology; Psychiatry |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Methylphenidate blocks the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine at the presynaptic neuron, increasing their concentration in the synaptic cleft. The long-acting formulation extends the duration of action, typically providing symptom control for 8-12 hours with a single daily dose. This mechanism enhances attention, focus, and impulse control in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Approved indications
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults
Common side effects
- Insomnia
- Decreased appetite
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Tachycardia
- Elevated blood pressure
Key clinical trials
- Adaptive Response to Intervention (RTI) for Students With ADHD (PHASE4)
- Long Acting Stimulant Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Young Children (PHASE4)
- FASST - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Stimulant Trial (PHASE4)
- Methylphenidate vs. Risperidone for the Treatment of Children and Adolescents With ADHD and Disruptive Disorders (PHASE4)
- Brain Connectivity in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (NA)
- Treatments for Fathers With ADHD and Their At-Risk Children (Fathers Too) (PHASE4)
- Follow up Treatment of Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (NA)
- International Study to Predict Optimised Treatment in Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Long acting methylphenidate CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Long acting methylphenidate updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of California, Los Angeles portfolio CI