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Data updated: May 26, 2026

RITALIN LA (methylphenidate hydrochloride)

CNS Approved 2002-06-05

Ritalin LA is a central nervous system stimulant used for children between the ages of 6 and 12 who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It helps patients in this age group manage their symptoms through its effects on the brain. This medication is not recommended for children younger than 6, as they are more likely to experience higher drug exposure and side effects such as weight loss.

Source: FDA Label • Novartis

How RITALIN LA Works

Ritalin LA works by acting as a central nervous system stimulant. Although it is effective for managing symptoms, the specific way it produces its therapeutic action in patients with ADHD is not currently known.

1
Indication
--
Phase 3 Trials
23
Years on Market

Details

Status
Prescription
First Approved
2002-06-05
Routes
ORAL
Dosage Forms
CAPSULE, EXTENDED RELEASE

Companies

Active Ingredient: METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE

RITALIN LA Approval History

2003
2004
2005
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2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
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2015
2016
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2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
125 FDA actions from 2002 to 2025
Sep 2025 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Oct 2023 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Jun 2021 SUPPL
Label · Labeling

What RITALIN LA Treats

1 indications

RITALIN LA is approved for 1 conditions since its original approval in 2002. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Source: FDA Label

RITALIN LA Boxed Warning

ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION Ritalin LA 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 Ritalin LA, 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 Ritalin LA, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Educate...

RITALIN LA Competitive Set

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Filters applied: drops same-active-ingredient (505(b)(2) reformulations), route-mismatch (topical vs systemic), and cross-therapeutic-area matches in same-indication rings.

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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
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Active Pipeline

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Ongoing clinical trials by development phase

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Key Completed Trials

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Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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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.

RITALIN LA FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

RITALIN LA is indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

⚠️ BOXED WARNING

WARNING: ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION Ritalin LA 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 Ritalin LA, can result in overdose and death [see Overdosage ( 10 )] , and thi...

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Data Sources

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