CONCERTA (methylphenidate hydrochloride)
CONCERTA is indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
How CONCERTA Works
Methylphenidate is a CNS stimulant that blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine into the presynaptic neuron and increases the release of these monoamines into the extraneuronal space. While the exact mechanism of therapeutic action in ADHD is not fully established, its efficacy is attributed to the modulation of these neurotransmitters.
Development Insights
Details
- Status
- Prescription
- First Approved
- 2000-08-01
- Routes
- ORAL
- Dosage Forms
- TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE
CONCERTA Approval History
What CONCERTA Treats
1 indicationsCONCERTA is approved for 1 conditions since its original approval in 2000. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
CONCERTA Boxed Warning
ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION CONCERTA has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including CONCERTA, can result in overdose and death [see Overdosage (10) ] , and this risk is increased with a higher dosage or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection. Before prescribing CONCERTA, assess each patient's risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Educate pat...
WARNING: ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION CONCERTA has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including CONCERTA, can result in overdose and death [see Overdosage (10) ] , and this risk is increased with a higher dosage or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection. Before prescribing CONCERTA, assess each patient's risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Educate patients and their families about these risks, proper storage of CONCERTA, and proper disposal of any unused drug. Throughout CONCERTA treatment, reassess each patient's risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.1 , 9.2) ]. WARNING: ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. CONCERTA has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including CONCERTA, can result in overdose and death ( 5.1 , 9.2 , 10 ): Before prescribing CONCERTA, assess each patient's risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Educate patients and their families about these risks, proper storage of CONCERTA, and proper disposal of any unused drug. Throughout treatment, reassess each patient's risk and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction.
CONCERTA Competitive Set
ProThree rings of competition based on shared molecular targets and treated indications.
Direct competitors
Same target(s) AND same indication — head-to-head.
MoA expansion candidates
Same target(s), different indications — where else is this mechanism being explored?
Indication competitors
Same indication, different mechanism — what else might this patient receive?
Filters applied: drops same-active-ingredient (505(b)(2) reformulations), route-mismatch (topical vs systemic), and cross-therapeutic-area matches in same-indication rings.
Drugs Similar to CONCERTA
3 of 20FDA-approved drugs for similar conditions. Compare mechanisms and indications to understand treatment alternatives.
Clinical Trial Registry
19 trials| Trial | Sponsor ID | Phase | Status | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT05842330 BATIR | 32003B_212581 | Ph 3 | recruiting | Benefits of ADHD Treatment in Detained People |
| NCT01628029 results posted | 2012-0120 NCI-2012-01352, 2012-0120 | Ph 2 | active not recruiting | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Multimodal Therapy in Treating Sleep Disturbance in Patients With Cancer |
| NCT05185583 | 77169 | Ph 2 | completed | Methylphenidate in Childhood Apraxia of Speech |
| NCT06465641 KBGS_N_of_1 | 113883 | Ph 4 | recruiting | Methylphenidate in KBG Syndrome: N-of-1 Series |
| NCT05650775 BAT | ArnettChanTNC2022 | Ph 1 | completed | Biomarkers of ADHD Treatment Response |
| NCT04507204 RE-DAX results posted | ADA4003 | Ph 4 | terminated | Real-World Evidence of Duration of Effect of Adhansia XR (Extended-Release) for Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) |
| NCT04152629 reFOQus | CAN-MA-FOQ-001 | Ph 4 | completed | Real World Evidence of the Efficacy and Safety of FOQUEST |
| NCT00763971 results posted | SPD489-325 2008-000679-90 | Ph 3 | completed | Randomized, Double-blind Safety and Efficacy Study of Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate (LDX) in Children and Adolescents Aged 6-17 |
| NCT00901576 results posted | SPD503-114 | Ph 1 | completed | A Drug Interaction Study of SPD503 and Concerta Administered Alone and In Combination in Normal Healthy Volunteers |
| NCT01552902 results posted | SPD489-406 2011-005452-34 | Ph 4 | completed | Effectiveness of Vyvanse Compared to Concerta in Adolescents With Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder |
| NCT01183234 results posted | SPD544-101 | Ph 1 | completed | SPD544 High Strength Bioequivalence Study |
| NCT01552915 results posted | SPD489-405 | Ph 4 | completed | Effectiveness of Vyvanse Compared to Concerta in Adolescents With Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder |
| NCT02247986 | 140193 14-M-0193 | Ph 1, Ph 2 | withdrawn | Investigating the Impact of Methylphenidate on Neural Response in Disruptive Behavioral Disorder |
| NCT01914822 | 275-13-RMB Ritalin version 5 | Ph 2 | completed | The Effect Methylphenidate Hydrochloride on Pain and Auditory Sensitivity in Healthy Subjects |
| NCT00376675 results posted | NCCTG-N05C7 NCI-2012-02701, CDR0000495148 | Ph 3 | completed | Methylphenidate in Treating Patients With Fatigue Caused by Cancer |
| NCT00593853 | LEUPR_L_01 07-0350-C | Ph 2 | terminated | Efficacy Study of Methylphenidate Hydrochloride to Reduce Fatigue in Prostate Cancer Patients Receiving Hormone Therapy |
| NCT01348607 results posted | SCUSF 0803 SCUSF-0803, 5U10CA081920-11 | Ph 2 | terminated | Methylphenidate HCl or Modafinil in Treating Young Patients With Excessive Daytime Sleepiness After Cancer Therapy |
| NCT01118702 | CR017179 CR017179 | Ph 1 | completed | A Study to Explore Plasma Levels of CONCERTA, Ritalin-SR and Novo-Methylphenidate ER-C in Healthy Volunteers |
| NCT00730249 QUMEA | 6520-0650-13 | Ph 3 | completed | Quality Assurance of Administering Methylphenidate in Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - QUMEA |
Active Pipeline
Ongoing clinical trials by development phase
Key Completed Trials
Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance
Trial Timeline
Full development history with FDA approval milestones
Understanding FDA Approval Types
| Count | Type | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| - | ORIG | Original approval - drug first enters market |
| - | SUPPL - Efficacy | New indication (new disease/condition approved) |
| - | SUPPL - Labeling | Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates) |
| - | SUPPL - Manufacturing | Production changes (new facility) |
| - | SUPPL - Chemistry | Formulation changes (new dosage strength) |
Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.
CONCERTA FDA Label Details
Indications & Usage
FDA Label (PDF)CONCERTA is indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
WARNING: ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION CONCERTA has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including CONCERTA, can result in overdose and death [see Overdosage (10) ] , and this ris...
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Data Sources
Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.
How We Calculate These Metrics
Trial Activity Stage
Measures the current development activity pattern based on trial phases, status, and trends. Important: This measures R&D activity, not commercial lifecycle.
Trial statuses: "Active" means recruiting or ongoing. "Completed" means reached planned endpoint. "Terminated" means stopped early—often due to safety, efficacy, or business reasons.
- Growth: High proportion of early-phase trials (Phase 1/2), active development
- Expansion: Significant Phase 3 activity, approaching or pursuing approvals
- Mature: Substantial Phase 4 post-marketing studies
- Stable: Mixed phase distribution, steady development
- Declining: Low active trial ratio, reduced R&D investment