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Methylphenidate (MPH)
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), Narcolepsy.
At a glance
| Generic name | Methylphenidate (MPH) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Focalin XR, Methylphenidate long acting, Medikinet retard, Metadate CD®, Concerta® |
| 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 is a sympathomimetic amine that inhibits the reuptake transporters (DAT and NET) for dopamine and norepinephrine, leading to increased concentrations of these neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft. This enhanced dopaminergic and noradrenergic signaling improves attention, focus, and impulse control in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy.
Approved indications
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Narcolepsy
Common side effects
- Insomnia
- Decreased appetite
- Headache
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Tachycardia
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
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 (MPH) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Methylphenidate (MPH) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of California, Los Angeles portfolio CI