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Generic Focalin
The generic version of Focalin is sold as Dexmethylphenidate tablets and is available in three strengths. While generic Focalin has been shown by the FDA to be equivalent to brand-name Focalin, it's important to note that generic drugs may contain different inactive ingredients than the brand-name drug.
Focalin® (dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Focalin is a stimulant, but it has effects that the are opposite of what would be expected of a stimulant. While stimulants like caffeine can cause hyperactivity, Focalin has a calming effect.
Focalin is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals. However, it has come off patent and is available as a generic.
Generic Focalin tablets are available in the following strengths:
- Dexmethylphenidate 2.5 mg
- Dexmethylphenidate 5 mg
- Dexmethylphenidate 10 mg.
Currently, generic Focalin is made by Teva Pharmaceuticals.
All generic medications must undergo certain tests to compare them to brand-name medications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) then looks at these tests to decide if the generics are equivalent to the brand-name medications and assigns each generic a rating. An "AB" rating means that the FDA has determined that a generic medication is equivalent to a brand-name medication. The generic dexmethylphenidate products currently available have an "AB" rating, meaning they should be equivalent to Focalin.
However, generic medications are allowed to have different inactive ingredients than the brand-name medication. This might include fillers or dyes or other ingredients that may cause problems for people with allergies or sensitivities.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD