TheraRadar
Data updated: May 26, 2026

METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE

CNS Approved 1977-12-23

Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules are used for children and adolescents between the ages of 6 and 15 who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This medication helps patients with ADHD symptoms by acting as a stimulant for the central nervous system. It is specifically intended for this age group, as children under 6 years old may experience higher drug exposure and a greater risk of side effects like weight loss.

Source: FDA Label • SPECGX LLC

How METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE Works

This medication works by stimulating the central nervous system. While it is classified as a CNS stimulant, the specific way it produces a therapeutic effect in patients with ADHD is not currently known.

69
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
48
Years on Market

METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE Approval History

1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
870 FDA actions from 1977 to 2026
Apr 2026 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Apr 2026 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Mar 2026 SUPPL
Label · Labeling

What METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE Treats

1 indications

METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE is approved for 1 conditions since its original approval in 1977. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Source: FDA Label

METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE Boxed Warning

ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release 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 methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release, can result in overdose and death [see Overdosage (10) ] , and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection. Before prescribing methylphe...

METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE Competitive Set

Pro

Three rings of competition based on shared molecular targets and treated indications.

Unlock 8 more competitors across all three rings.
Upgrade to Pro

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 METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE

3 of 20

FDA-approved drugs for similar conditions. Compare mechanisms and indications to understand treatment alternatives.

ADDERALL XR 10
AMPHETAMINE ASPARTATE
1 shared
Takeda
ADDERALL XR 15
AMPHETAMINE ASPARTATE
1 shared
Takeda
ADDERALL XR 20
AMPHETAMINE ASPARTATE
1 shared
Takeda
📋

Clinical Trial Registry

14 trials
Trial Sponsor ID Phase Status Title
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
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
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
NCT00730249 QUMEA 6520-0650-13 Ph 3 completed Quality Assurance of Administering Methylphenidate in Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - QUMEA
🔬

Active Pipeline

Pro

Ongoing clinical trials by development phase

Loading...

Key Completed Trials

Pro

Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance

Loading...
📊

Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

|
Loading...
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.

METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE is indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

⚠️ BOXED WARNING

WARNING: ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release 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 methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-rel...

Looking for the branded version?

CONCERTA

Full clinical data, patents, trials, and competitive landscape for methylphenidate hydrochloride.

See CONCERTA

Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.