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methylphenidate (Ritalin®)
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 (Ritalin®) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre |
| Drug class | Sympathomimetic amine; central nervous system 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 enhanced dopaminergic and noradrenergic signaling improves attention, focus, and impulse control in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
Approved indications
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Narcolepsy
Common side effects
- Insomnia
- Decreased appetite
- Headache
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Tachycardia
- Elevated blood pressure
- Abdominal pain
Key clinical trials
- Benefits of ADHD Treatment in Detained People (PHASE3)
- MEthylphenidate in ADHD - Addiction(s) Comorbidity: Value of Adding a Cognitive Remediation Program to Improve Short- and Medium-term Therapeutic Response (NA)
- A Safety/Tolerability and PK Study With Azstarys® in Children With ADHD (PHASE4)
- WAKIX® (Pitolisant) Pregnancy Registry
- An Efficacy and Safety Study w/ Azstarys® in Children 4-12 Years of Age With ADHD (PHASE4)
- Dexmethylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablets Under Non-Fasting Conditions (PHASE1)
- Dexmethylphenidate Hydrochloride Tablets Under Fasting Conditions (PHASE1)
- Cannabidiol and CES1 Interactions in Healthy Subjects (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:
- methylphenidate (Ritalin®) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- methylphenidate (Ritalin®) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre portfolio CI