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methylphenidate HCl (Concerta)
Methylphenidate blocks the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in the central nervous system, increasing their availability in the brain.
Methylphenidate blocks the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in the central nervous system, increasing their availability in the brain. Used for Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults, Narcolepsy.
At a glance
| Generic name | methylphenidate HCl (Concerta) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Concerta |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital |
| 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 is a sympathomimetic amine that inhibits the reuptake transporters for dopamine and norepinephrine, leading to increased concentrations of these neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft. This enhancement of dopaminergic and noradrenergic signaling improves attention, focus, and impulse control. Concerta is an extended-release formulation designed to provide consistent drug levels throughout the day.
Approved indications
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults
- Narcolepsy
Common side effects
- Insomnia
- Decreased appetite
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Nervousness/anxiety
- Tachycardia
- Elevated blood pressure
Key clinical trials
- Orexin s Role in the Neurobiology of Substance Use Disorder (NA)
- The Psychiatric and Cognitive Phenotypes in Velocardiofacial Syndrome (PHASE4)
- Benefits of ADHD Treatment in Detained People (PHASE3)
- Methylphenidate to Address Attention and Executive Deficits Among Children With Sickle Cell Disease (PHASE1)
- A Trial to Assess How Centanafadine Interacts With Stimulants in the Body (PHASE1)
- Comorbidity Between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Fibromyalgia (NA)
- The Effect Of Methylphenıdate Treatment On Neuroınflammatıon Levels In Chıldren Wıth Attentıon Defıcıt Hyperactıvıty Dısorder
- Multimodal Therapy for the Treatment of Fatigue in Patients With Prostate Cancer Receiving Radiotherapy With Androgen Deprivation Therapy (PHASE2)
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:
- methylphenidate HCl (Concerta) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- methylphenidate HCl (Concerta) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Massachusetts General Hospital portfolio CI