Methylphenidate is a prescription medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (
ADHD) and
narcolepsy. It is available in many different forms, including long-acting extended release forms. Methylphenidate extended release is available as the following products:
How Are All the Methylphenidate Extended Release Products Different?
Below is a table of some of the important differences between the methylphenidate extended release products. Notice that not all are approved for
adult ADHD. Metadate ER and
Ritalin SR are not specifically approved for adult ADHD, although the exact approved age range was not reported.
Table: Methylphenidate Extended Release Differences
|
Approved age range for ADHD
|
Approved for narcolepsy
|
Taken once a day
|
Concerta
|
6 to 65
|
|
X
|
Metadate CD
|
6 to 15
|
|
X
|
Metadate ER
|
6 to ?
|
X
|
X
|
Ritalin LA
|
6 to 12
|
|
X
|
Ritalin SR
|
6 to ?
|
X
|
X
|
Concerta
Concerta is a tablet that is released in two stages: the outer part of the tablet dissolves quickly and releases an immediate dose of Concerta. The inner part releases the rest of the medication slowly over time.