Methylphenidate Extended Release (Cont.)

 
Metadate CD
Metadate CD capsules contain tiny beads that contain the medication. Thirty percent of these are immediate release beads, and the other 70 percent are extended release beads, which dissolve more slowly.
 
Metadate ER, Ritalin SR, and Generic Methylphenidate Extended Release
These three medications are equivalent and can be substituted for each other. These medications come in tablets that dissolve slowly. Because there is no "immediate release" component for these tablets, these medications may take a little longer to start working each day.
 
Ritalin LA
Ritalin LA capsules contain tiny beads that contain the medication. Half of these are immediate release beads, and the other half are delayed release beads, which do not dissolve until they reach the small intestine (about four hours later).
 

Who Makes Methylphenidate Extended Release?

Concerta is made by ALZA Corporation. Metadate CD and Metadate ER are made by UCB, Inc. Ritalin LA and Ritalin SR are made by Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Generic versions of Ritalin SR and Metadate ER are made by several manufacturers.
  

What Is Methylphenidate Extended Release Used For?

As mentioned above, methylphenidate extended release is licensed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD for short. In addition to hyperactivity (having trouble sitting still), people with ADHD have problems paying attention, focusing, and controlling their behavior. While most people think of ADHD as a problem in children, it can also occur in adults (see Adult ADHD). However, methylphenidate extended release is not approved to treat adult ADHD.
 
(Click to see the following articles about methyphenidate extended release and adults:
 
Some of the methylphenidate extended release products (Ritalin SR and Metadate ER) are also licensed for narcolepsy treatment. Narcolepsy is a condition that involves falling asleep uncontrollably and at unusual times. People who have narcolepsy symptoms often appear paralyzed when they are sleeping and have hallucinations when falling asleep. People who have narcolepsy often fall asleep several times during the day.
 
(Click the following for more information on the uses of methylphenidate extended release, including possible off-label uses:
 
 
(Methylphenidate Extended Release Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;