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2D Structure
Also known as: Methylphenidan, Phenidylate, Calocain, Plimasine, 113-45-1, Concerta
Molecular Formula
C14H19NO2
Molecular Weight
233.31  g/mol
InChI Key
DUGOZIWVEXMGBE-UHFFFAOYSA-N

A central nervous system stimulant used most commonly in the treatment of ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER in children and for NARCOLEPSY. Its mechanisms appear to be similar to those of DEXTROAMPHETAMINE. The d-isomer of this drug is referred to as DEXMETHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE.
1 2D Structure

2D Structure

2 Identification
2.1 Computed Descriptors
2.1.1 IUPAC Name
methyl 2-phenyl-2-piperidin-2-ylacetate
2.1.2 InChI
InChI=1S/C14H19NO2/c1-17-14(16)13(11-7-3-2-4-8-11)12-9-5-6-10-15-12/h2-4,7-8,12-13,15H,5-6,9-10H2,1H3
2.1.3 InChI Key
DUGOZIWVEXMGBE-UHFFFAOYSA-N
2.1.4 Canonical SMILES
COC(=O)C(C1CCCCN1)C2=CC=CC=C2
2.2 Synonyms
2.2.1 MeSH Synonyms

1. Centedrin

2. Concerta

3. Daytrana

4. Equasym

5. Hydrochloride, Methylphenidate

6. Metadate

7. Methylin

8. Methylphenidate Hydrochloride

9. Phenidylate

10. Ritalin

11. Ritalin Sr

12. Ritalin-sr

13. Ritaline

14. Tsentedrin

2.2.2 Depositor-Supplied Synonyms

1. Methylphenidan

2. Phenidylate

3. Calocain

4. Plimasine

5. 113-45-1

6. Concerta

7. Methyl Phenidylacetate

8. Methyl Phenidate

9. Metilfenidato [italian]

10. Methylphenidatum

11. Metilfenidato [inn-spanish]

12. Methylphenidatum [inn-latin]

13. 4311/b Ciba

14. Methyl Phenidyl Acetate

15. Methyl Phenyl(piperidin-2-yl)acetate

16. Methylin

17. Methyl Alpha-phenyl-alpha-(2-piperidyl)acetate

18. Alpha-phenyl-2-piperidineacetic Acid Methyl Ester

19. Daytrana

20. Methylphenidate Hcl

21. Nci-c56280

22. 2-piperidineacetic Acid, Alpha-phenyl-, Methyl Ester

23. Methyl Alpha-phenyl-alpha-2-piperidinylacetate

24. Chembl796

25. 2-piperidineacetic Acid, .alpha.-phenyl-, Methyl Ester

26. Methyl 2-phenyl-2-(piperidin-2-yl)acetate

27. Methylfenidan

28. Chebi:84276

29. Metilfenidato

30. Methylphenidylacetate Hydrochloride

31. .alpha.-phenyl-2-piperidineacetic Acid Methyl Ester

32. D-methylphenidate Hcl

33. Cotempla Xr-odt

34. Daytrana (tn)

35. Threo-dl-methylphenidate

36. Methyl 2-phenyl-2-piperidin-2-ylacetate

37. Hsdb 3126

38. Methyl (2-phenyl-2-(2-piperidyl)acetate)

39. Prc-063

40. Einecs 204-028-6

41. C 4311

42. Methylphenidate Extended Release

43. Methylphenidate (usan/inn)

44. Rubifen

45. Alpha-phenyl-alpha-(2-piperidyl)acetic Acid Methyl Ester

46. Dea No. 1724

47. Methylphenidate [usan:inn:ban]

48. 40572-71-2

49. Ritalin (salt/mix)

50. Methylin (salt/mix)

51. Ritaline (salt/mix)

52. Centedein (salt/mix)

53. Centedrin (salt/mix)

54. Centedrine (salt/mix)

55. Schembl37178

56. Gtpl7236

57. Dtxsid5023299

58. Jornay Pm (a.k.a. Hld200)

59. Bcp18286

60. Hy-b1091

61. Bdbm50062912

62. Methyl Alpha-piperid-2-ylphenylacetate

63. Methyl Phenyl(2-piperidinyl)acetate #

64. Cs-4657

65. Db00422

66. Ncgc00248587-01

67. Ncgc00248587-03

68. Methyl .alpha.-phenyl-2-piperidineacetate

69. Sbi-0206868.p001

70. Methyl .alpha.-phenyl-2-piperidine-acetate

71. C07196

72. D04999

73. Phenyl-piperidin-2-yl-acetic Acid Methyl Ester

74. Ab01563134_01

75. 2-piperidineacetic Acid, ?-phenyl-, Methyl Ester

76. L001307

77. Q422112

78. Methyl .alpha.-phenyl-.alpha.-(2-piperidyl)acetate

79. Methyl .alpha.-phenyl-.alpha.-2-piperidinylacetate

80. (s,2s)--phenyl-2-piperidineacetic Acid Methyl Ester

81. Brd-a19585813-003-01-7

2.3 Create Date
2005-03-25
3 Chemical and Physical Properties
Molecular Weight 233.31 g/mol
Molecular Formula C14H19NO2
XLogP30.2
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count1
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count3
Rotatable Bond Count4
Exact Mass233.141578849 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass233.141578849 g/mol
Topological Polar Surface Area38.3 Ų
Heavy Atom Count17
Formal Charge0
Complexity249
Isotope Atom Count0
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count0
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count2
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Covalently Bonded Unit Count1
4 Drug and Medication Information
4.1 Drug Information
1 of 20  
Drug NameConcerta
PubMed HealthMethylphenidate
Drug ClassesCNS Stimulant, Central Nervous System Agent
Drug LabelCONCERTA is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. CONCERTA is available in four tablet strengths. Each extended-release tablet for once-a-day oral administration contains 18, 27, 36, or 54 mg of methylphenidate HCl USP and is designed to have...
Active IngredientMethylphenidate hydrochloride
Dosage FormTablet, extended release
RouteOral
Strength54mg; 18mg; 27mg; 36mg
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyJanssen Pharms

2 of 20  
Drug NameDaytrana
PubMed HealthMethylphenidate
Drug ClassesCNS Stimulant, Central Nervous System Agent
Drug LabelDaytrana is an adhesive-based matrix transdermal system (patch) that is applied to intact skin. The chemical name for methylphenidate is -phenyl-2-piperidineacetic acid methyl ester. It is a white to off-white powder and is soluble in alcohol, ethy...
Active IngredientMethylphenidate
Dosage FormFilm, extended release
RouteTransdermal
Strength30mg/9hr (3.3mg/hr); 15mg/9hr (1.6mg/hr); 10mg/9hr (1.1mg/hr); 20mg/9hr (2.2mg/hr)
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyNoven Pharms

3 of 20  
Drug NameMetadate cd
PubMed HealthMethylphenidate
Drug ClassesCNS Stimulant, Central Nervous System Agent
Drug LabelMETADATE CD is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. The extended-release capsules comprise both immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) beads such that 30% of the dose is provided by the IR component and 70% of the dose is provided by t...
Active IngredientMethylphenidate hydrochloride
Dosage FormCapsule, extended release
RouteOral
Strength30mg; 50mg; 60mg; 10mg; 40mg; 20mg
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyUcb

4 of 20  
Drug NameMetadate er
PubMed HealthMethylphenidate (By mouth)
Drug ClassesCNS Stimulant, Central Nervous System Agent
Drug LabelMETADATE ER Tablets (methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP) are a mild central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. METADATE ER is available as 20 mg extended-release tablets for oral administration.Methylphenidate hydrochloride is m...
Active IngredientMethylphenidate hydrochloride
Dosage FormTablet, extended release
RouteOral
Strength20mg
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyUcb

5 of 20  
Drug NameMethylin
PubMed HealthMethylphenidate
Drug ClassesCNS Stimulant, Central Nervous System Agent
Drug LabelMethylphenidate hydrochloride is a mild central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, available for oral administration as tablets of 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg and as extended-release tablets of 10 mg and 20 mg. Methylphenidate hydrochloride is methyl -phen...
Active IngredientMethylphenidate hydrochloride
Dosage FormTablet, chewable; Solution
RouteOral
Strength2.5mg; 10mg/5ml; 5mg; 10mg; 5mg/5ml
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyMallinckrodt

6 of 20  
Drug NameMethylin er
Drug LabelMethylphenidate hydrochloride is a mild central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, available for oral administration as tablets of 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg and as extended-release tablets of 10 mg and 20 mg. Methylphenidate hydrochloride is methyl -phen...
Active IngredientMethylphenidate hydrochloride
Dosage FormTablet, extended release
RouteOral
Strength10mg; 20mg
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyMallinckrodt

7 of 20  
Drug NameQuillivant xr
Drug LabelQUILLIVANT XR is a powder that, after reconstitution with water, forms an extended-release oral suspension formulation of methylphenidate intended for once daily oral administration. QUILLIVANT XR contains approximately 20% immediate-release and 80%...
Active IngredientMethylphenidate hydrochloride
Dosage FormFor suspension, extended release
RouteOral
Strength5mg/ml
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyNextwave Pharms

8 of 20  
Drug NameRitalin
Drug LabelRitalin hydrochloride, methylphenidate hydrochloride USP, is a mild central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, available as tablets of 5, 10, and 20 mg for oral administration; Ritalin-SR is available as sustained-release tablets of 20 mg for oral admin...
Active IngredientMethylphenidate hydrochloride
Dosage FormTablet
RouteOral
Strength5mg; 10mg; 20mg
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyNovartis

9 of 20  
Drug NameRitalin la
Drug LabelMethylphenidate hydrochloride is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. Ritalin LA (methylphenidate hydrochloride) extended-release capsules is an extended-release formulation of methylphenidate with a bi-modal release profile. Ritalin LA uses t...
Active IngredientMethylphenidate hydrochloride
Dosage FormCapsule, extended release
RouteOral
Strength30mg; 10mg; 40mg; 20mg
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyNovartis

10 of 20  
Drug NameRitalin-sr
Active IngredientMethylphenidate hydrochloride
Dosage FormTablet, extended release
RouteOral
Strength20mg
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyNovartis

11 of 20  
Drug NameConcerta
PubMed HealthMethylphenidate
Drug ClassesCNS Stimulant, Central Nervous System Agent
Drug LabelCONCERTA is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. CONCERTA is available in four tablet strengths. Each extended-release tablet for once-a-day oral administration contains 18, 27, 36, or 54 mg of methylphenidate HCl USP and is designed to have...
Active IngredientMethylphenidate hydrochloride
Dosage FormTablet, extended release
RouteOral
Strength54mg; 18mg; 27mg; 36mg
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyJanssen Pharms

12 of 20  
Drug NameDaytrana
PubMed HealthMethylphenidate
Drug ClassesCNS Stimulant, Central Nervous System Agent
Drug LabelDaytrana is an adhesive-based matrix transdermal system (patch) that is applied to intact skin. The chemical name for methylphenidate is -phenyl-2-piperidineacetic acid methyl ester. It is a white to off-white powder and is soluble in alcohol, ethy...
Active IngredientMethylphenidate
Dosage FormFilm, extended release
RouteTransdermal
Strength30mg/9hr (3.3mg/hr); 15mg/9hr (1.6mg/hr); 10mg/9hr (1.1mg/hr); 20mg/9hr (2.2mg/hr)
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyNoven Pharms

13 of 20  
Drug NameMetadate cd
PubMed HealthMethylphenidate
Drug ClassesCNS Stimulant, Central Nervous System Agent
Drug LabelMETADATE CD is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. The extended-release capsules comprise both immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) beads such that 30% of the dose is provided by the IR component and 70% of the dose is provided by t...
Active IngredientMethylphenidate hydrochloride
Dosage FormCapsule, extended release
RouteOral
Strength30mg; 50mg; 60mg; 10mg; 40mg; 20mg
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyUcb

14 of 20  
Drug NameMetadate er
PubMed HealthMethylphenidate (By mouth)
Drug ClassesCNS Stimulant, Central Nervous System Agent
Drug LabelMETADATE ER Tablets (methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP) are a mild central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. METADATE ER is available as 20 mg extended-release tablets for oral administration.Methylphenidate hydrochloride is m...
Active IngredientMethylphenidate hydrochloride
Dosage FormTablet, extended release
RouteOral
Strength20mg
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyUcb

15 of 20  
Drug NameMethylin
PubMed HealthMethylphenidate
Drug ClassesCNS Stimulant, Central Nervous System Agent
Drug LabelMethylphenidate hydrochloride is a mild central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, available for oral administration as tablets of 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg and as extended-release tablets of 10 mg and 20 mg. Methylphenidate hydrochloride is methyl -phen...
Active IngredientMethylphenidate hydrochloride
Dosage FormTablet, chewable; Solution
RouteOral
Strength2.5mg; 10mg/5ml; 5mg; 10mg; 5mg/5ml
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyMallinckrodt

16 of 20  
Drug NameMethylin er
Drug LabelMethylphenidate hydrochloride is a mild central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, available for oral administration as tablets of 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg and as extended-release tablets of 10 mg and 20 mg. Methylphenidate hydrochloride is methyl -phen...
Active IngredientMethylphenidate hydrochloride
Dosage FormTablet, extended release
RouteOral
Strength10mg; 20mg
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyMallinckrodt

17 of 20  
Drug NameQuillivant xr
Drug LabelQUILLIVANT XR is a powder that, after reconstitution with water, forms an extended-release oral suspension formulation of methylphenidate intended for once daily oral administration. QUILLIVANT XR contains approximately 20% immediate-release and 80%...
Active IngredientMethylphenidate hydrochloride
Dosage FormFor suspension, extended release
RouteOral
Strength5mg/ml
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyNextwave Pharms

18 of 20  
Drug NameRitalin
Drug LabelRitalin hydrochloride, methylphenidate hydrochloride USP, is a mild central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, available as tablets of 5, 10, and 20 mg for oral administration; Ritalin-SR is available as sustained-release tablets of 20 mg for oral admin...
Active IngredientMethylphenidate hydrochloride
Dosage FormTablet
RouteOral
Strength5mg; 10mg; 20mg
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyNovartis

19 of 20  
Drug NameRitalin la
Drug LabelMethylphenidate hydrochloride is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. Ritalin LA (methylphenidate hydrochloride) extended-release capsules is an extended-release formulation of methylphenidate with a bi-modal release profile. Ritalin LA uses t...
Active IngredientMethylphenidate hydrochloride
Dosage FormCapsule, extended release
RouteOral
Strength30mg; 10mg; 40mg; 20mg
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyNovartis

20 of 20  
Drug NameRitalin-sr
Active IngredientMethylphenidate hydrochloride
Dosage FormTablet, extended release
RouteOral
Strength20mg
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyNovartis

4.2 Therapeutic Uses

Central Nervous System Stimulants; Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors

National Library of Medicine's Medical Subject Headings. Methylphenidate. Online file (MeSH, 2015). Available from, as of November 20, 2015: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2015/mesh_browser/MBrowser.html


/CLINICAL TRIALS/ ClinicalTrials.gov is a registry and results database of publicly and privately supported clinical studies of human participants conducted around the world. The Web site is maintained by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Each ClinicalTrials.gov record presents summary information about a study protocol and includes the following: Disease or condition; Intervention (for example, the medical product, behavior, or procedure being studied); Title, description, and design of the study; Requirements for participation (eligibility criteria); Locations where the study is being conducted; Contact information for the study locations; and Links to relevant information on other health Web sites, such as NLM's MedlinePlus for patient health information and PubMed for citations and abstracts for scholarly articles in the field of medicine. Methylphenidate is included in the database.

NIH/NLM; ClinicalTrials.Gov. Available from, as of September 30, 2015: https://clinicaltrials.gov/search/intervention=methylphenidate


MEDICATION (VET): Methylphenidate may be useful for diagnosing and treating cataplexy/narcolepsy or hyperactivity in dogs.

Plumb D.C. Veterinary Drug Handbook. 8th ed. (pocket). Ames, IA: Wiley-Blackwell, 2015., p. 957


Treatment of cocaine abuse with agonists such as methylphenidate has been attempted, but with litle success except in patients with attention deficit disorders.

DHHS/NIDA; Research Monograph Series 88: Mechanisms of Cocaine Abuse and Toxicity p.125 (1988) DHHS Pub No. (ADM)89-1585


For more Therapeutic Uses (Complete) data for METHYLPHENIDATE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


4.3 Drug Warning

Methylphenidate should be used with caution in patients with hypertension. Blood pressure should be monitored at appropriate intervals in patients receiving the drug, especially those with hypertension.

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2015; Drug Information 2015. Bethesda, MD. 2015, p. 2552


Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, macular rash, urticaria, fever, arthralgia, exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme with histopathologic findings of necrotizing vasculitis, and thrombocytopenic purpura may occur in patients receiving methylphenidate. Stevens-Johnson syndrome has been reported rarely. Fixed drug eruption, angioedema, anaphylactic reaction, auricular swelling, bullous conditions, pruritus, eruptions, and exanthemas have been reported in patients receiving methylphenidate, although a definite causal relationship has not been established. Erythema occurs in a majority of patients receiving methylphenidate as the transdermal system but generally causes minimal or no discomfort.

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2015; Drug Information 2015. Bethesda, MD. 2015, p. 2551


Abnormal liver function, ranging from serum aminotransferase (transaminase) elevations to hepatic coma, has been reported in patients receiving methylphenidate, although a definite causal relationship has not been established. Hepatotoxicity was associated with methylphenidate therapy in at least one patient.

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2015; Drug Information 2015. Bethesda, MD. 2015, p. 2551


The most frequent adverse effects of methylphenidate appear to be dose related and include nervousness and insomnia.

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2015; Drug Information 2015. Bethesda, MD. 2015, p. 2551


For more Drug Warnings (Complete) data for METHYLPHENIDATE (23 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


4.4 Drug Indication

Methylphenidate is indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in patients 6 years of age and older and for the treatment of narcolepsy.


5 Pharmacology and Biochemistry
5.1 Pharmacology

Methylphenidate is a racemic mixture comprised of the d- and l-isomers. The d-isomer is more pharmacologically active than the l-isomer. Radioligand binding studies demonstrate that binding of methylphenidate in the brain is localized to dopamine-rich areas, in particular in the prefrontal cortex which has been demonstrated to play a prominent role in ADHD pathophysiology. In a number of animal models, methylphenidate enhances locomotor activity and induces stereotypic behaviours.


5.2 MeSH Pharmacological Classification

Central Nervous System Stimulants

A loosely defined group of drugs that tend to increase behavioral alertness, agitation, or excitation. They work by a variety of mechanisms, but usually not by direct excitation of neurons. The many drugs that have such actions as side effects to their main therapeutic use are not included here. (See all compounds classified as Central Nervous System Stimulants.)


Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors

Drugs that block the transport of DOPAMINE into axon terminals or into storage vesicles within terminals. Most of the ADRENERGIC UPTAKE INHIBITORS also inhibit dopamine uptake. (See all compounds classified as Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors.)


5.3 FDA Pharmacological Classification
5.3.1 Pharmacological Classes
Central Nervous System Stimulation [PE]; Central Nervous System Stimulant [EPC]
5.4 ATC Code

N06BA04

S76 | LUXPHARMA | Pharmaceuticals Marketed in Luxembourg | Pharmaceuticals marketed in Luxembourg, as published by d'Gesondheetskeess (CNS, la caisse nationale de sante, www.cns.lu), mapped by name to structures using CompTox by R. Singh et al. (in prep.). List downloaded from https://cns.public.lu/en/legislations/textes-coordonnes/liste-med-comm.html. Dataset DOI:10.5281/zenodo.4587355


N - Nervous system

N06 - Psychoanaleptics

N06B - Psychostimulants, agents used for adhd and nootropics

N06BA - Centrally acting sympathomimetics

N06BA04 - Methylphenidate


5.5 Absorption, Distribution and Excretion

Absorption

Concerta: Methylphenidate is readily absorbed. Following oral administration of Concerta, plasma methylhphenidate concentrations reach an initial maximum at about 1 hour followed by gradual ascending concentrations over the next 5-9 hours. Mean times to reach peak plasma concentrations across all doses of Concerta occurred between 6-10 hours. Once daily dosing minimizes the fluctuations between peak and trough concentrations associated with multiple doses of immediate-release methylphenidate treatments. Depending on the doses provided, Cmax was found to range from 6.0-15.0ng/mL, Tmax ranged from 8.1-9.4h, and AUC ranged from 50.4-121.5 ngh/mL in children. When provided as Concerta, methylphenidate is released through the patented Osmotic Controlled-Release Oral Delivery (OROS) system where 22% of the dose is provided as an immediate release and 78% is provided through a gradual release. OROS is comprised of an osmotically active trilayer core surrounded by a semipermeable membrane with an immediate-release drug overcoat. Within an aqueous environment, such as the stomach, the drug overcoat, which consists of 22% of the dose, dissolves within one hour, providing an initial immediate-release formulation of methylphenidate. Water then permeates through the membrane into the tablet core where the osmotically active polymer excipients expand, allowing methylphenidate to release slowly through the orifice over a period of 6-7 hours. Concerta also provides a sustained 10-12 hour effect, allowing for once-daily dosing. Biphentin: Methylphenidate is rapidly and extensively absorbed following oral administration, with peak blood levels obtained in 1-3 hours. When provided as Biphentin, methylphenidate is released through a multi-layer release delivery system (MLRTM) where 40% of the dose is provided as an immediate release and 60% is provided through a gradual release. Biphentin was designed to be an alternative to separate doses of immediate-release (IR) methylphenidate by providing a biphasic concentration-time profile when given as a single dose. The MLRTM release system allows for a sustained effect for 10-12 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing that covers the major times that ADHD impairment might occur (such as school, homework periods, during the workday, etc). Methylphenidate (immediate release): Methylphenidate hydrochloride is rapidly and extensively absorbed from the tablets following oral administration; however, owing to extensive first-pass metabolism, bioavailability is low (approx. 30%) and large individual differences exist (11-52%). In one study, the administration of methylphenidate hydrochloride with food accelerated absorption but had no effect on the amount absorbed. Peak plasma concentrations of 10.8 and 7.8 ng/mL were observed, on average, 2 hours after administration of 0.30 mg/kg in children and adults, respectively. Peak plasma concentrations showed marked variability between subjects. Both the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC), and the peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) showed dose-proportionality.


Route of Elimination

After oral administration of an immediate release formulation of methylphenidate, 78%-97% of the dose is excreted in the urine and 1%-3% in the feces in the form of metabolites within 48-96 hours. Only small quantities (<1%) of unchanged methylphenidate appear in the urine. Most of the dose is excreted in the urine as ritalinic acid (60%-86%), the remainder being accounted for by minor metabolites.


Volume of Distribution

Concerta: Plasma methylphenidate concentrations in adults decline bi-exponentially following oral administration. Biphentin: The apparent distribution volume of methylphenidate in children is approximately 20 L/kg, with substantial variability (11 to 33 L/kg). Methylphenidate (immediate release): The apparent distribution volume of methylphenidate in children was approximately 20 L/kg, with substantial variability (11-33 L/kg). The volume of distribution after an intravenous dose (Vss) is 2.23 L/kg for the racemate in healthy adult volunteers.


Clearance

The apparent mean systemic clearance after an oral dose is 10.2 and 10.5 L/h/kg in children and adults, respectively for a 0.3 mg/kg dose, and 0.565 L/h/kg after an intravenous dose of the racemate in healthy adult volunteers.


Methylphenidate HCl Oral Solution is readily absorbed. Following oral administration of Methylphenidate HCl Oral Solution, peak plasma methylphenidate concentrations are achieved at 1 to 2 hours.

NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for METHYLPHENIDATE HCL ORAL SOLUTION- methylphenidate hydrochloride solution (Revised: May 2015). Available from, as of November 24, 2015: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=7b372d74-7ba7-437a-be8c-6e8335b78818


Methylphenidate is readily absorbed after oral administration and reaches peak concentrations in plasma in about 2 hr.

Brunton, L. Chabner, B, Knollman, B. Goodman and Gillman's The Pharmaceutical Basis of Therapeutics, Twelth Edition, McGraw Hill Medical, New York, NY. 2011, p. 299


Men received 0.15 or 0.3 mg/kg of methylphenidate orally, and methylphenidate and ritalinic acid, a metabolite, were analyzed in plasma samples obtained at various times after treatment. Maximal methylphenidate concentrations in plasma were found to occur 2.2 hours after administration of either dose. The mean maximal concentration in plasma for methylphenidate was 3.5 ng/mL after 0.15 mg/kg, and 7.8 ng/mL after 0.3 mg/kg. Methylphenidate clearances were high (10.1 L/hour/kg) and variable (range: 3.6-23.2) for the 0.3 mg/kg dose. Pharmacokinetic parameters for children receiving 0.3 mg/kg were essentially the same as for the adults. Ritalinic acid plasma levels were 50-100 times greater than methylphenidate levels in normal adults. The clearance of ritalinic acid is less than that of methylphenidate. When admin to the rat, the absolute bioavailability of methylphenidate was found to be 0.19 in the rat and 0.22 in the monkey, suggesting substantial presystemic elimination of methylphenidate.

PMID:6410043 WARGIN W ET AL; J PHARMACOL EXP THER 226 (2): 382-6 (1983)


Neuroanatomical distribution of (14)C-labeled methylphenidate was examined in rabbit brain following intracerebroventricular administration at 15, 60, and 180 minutes after the injection. The highest levels were observed at the 1st sampling time (15 minutes) in medulla and cervical spinal cord. The pons, caudate, tegmentum, and hypothalamus also showed significant uptake of (14)C-methylphenidate.

SHAH NS ET AL; PROG NEURO-PSYCHOPHARMACOL BIOL PSYCHIATRY 7 (1): 101-6 (1983)


For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for METHYLPHENIDATE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


5.6 Metabolism/Metabolites

Methylphenidate is hepatically metabolized. More specifically, it is rapidly and extensively metabolized by carboxylesterase CES1A1. Via this enzyme, methylphenidate undergoes de-esterification to ritalinic acid (a-phenyl-2-piperidine acetic acid, PPAA), which has little to no pharmacologic activity.


In humans, methylphenidate is metabolized primarily via deesterification to alpha-phenylpiperidine acetic acid (PPA, ritalinic acid). The metabolite has little or no pharmacologic activity.

NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for METHYLPHENIDATE HCL ORAL SOLUTION- methylphenidate hydrochloride solution (Revised: May 2015). Available from, as of November 24, 2015: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=7b372d74-7ba7-437a-be8c-6e8335b78818


5.7 Biological Half-Life

Concerta: The half-life of methylphenidate in adults following oral administration of Concerta was approximately 3.5 h. Biphentin: Methylphenidate is eliminated from plasma with a mean half-life of 2.4 hours in children and 2.1 hours in adults. Methylphenidate (immediate release): Methylphenidate is eliminated from the plasma with a mean half-life of 2.4 hours in children and 2.1 hours in adults.


Methylphenidate ... is a racemate; /in plasma/ its more potent (+) enantimoer has a t(1/2) of approximately 6 hr, and the less potent (-) enantiomer has a t(1/2) of approximately 4 hr. Concentrations in the brain exceed those in plasma.

Brunton, L. Chabner, B, Knollman, B. Goodman and Gillman's The Pharmaceutical Basis of Therapeutics, Twelth Edition, McGraw Hill Medical, New York, NY. 2011, p. 299


The mean terminal half-life (t1/2) of methylphenidate following administration of 20 mg Methylphenidate HCl Oral Solution (t1/2 = 2.7 hours) is comparable to the mean terminal t1/2 following administration of Ritalin (methylphenidate hydrochloride immediate-release tablets) (t1/2 = 2.8h) in healthy adult volunteers.

NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for METHYLPHENIDATE HCL ORAL SOLUTION- methylphenidate hydrochloride solution (Revised: May 2015). Available from, as of November 24, 2015: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=7b372d74-7ba7-437a-be8c-6e8335b78818


5.8 Mechanism of Action

While its exact mechanism is unclear, methylphenidate (MPH) has been shown to act as a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), thereby increasing the presence of these neurotransmitters in the extraneuronal space and prolonging their action. There is a dose-related effect of psychostimulants on receptor stimulation, where higher doses are shown to increase norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) efflux throughout the brain which can result in impaired cognition and locomotor-activating effects. In contrast, low doses are found to selectively activate NE and DE neurotransmission within the prefrontal cortex which is an area of the brain thought to play a prominent role in ADHD pathophysiology, thereby improving clinical efficacy and preventing side effects. The lower doses used to treat ADHD are not associated with the locomotor-activating effects associated with higher doses and instead reduce movement, impulsivity, and increase cognitive function including sustained attention and working memory. Methylphenidate's beneficial effects in sustaining attention have also been shown to be mediated by alpha-1 adrenergic receptor activity. Clinical findings have shown that children with ADHD have an abnormality in the dopamine transporter gene (DAT1), the D4 receptor gene (DRD-4), and/or the D2 receptor gene that may be at least partly overcome by the dopaminergic effects of methylphenidate, suggesting a possible mode of action.


Methylphenidate is thought to block the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine into the presynaptic neuron and increase the release of these monoamines into the extraneuronal space.

NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for METHYLPHENIDATE HCL ORAL SOLUTION- methylphenidate hydrochloride solution (Revised: May 2015). Available from, as of November 24, 2015: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=7b372d74-7ba7-437a-be8c-6e8335b78818


Although the primary mechanism is largely unknown, the effects of methylphenidate appear to be mediated by blockage of the reuptake mechanism of dopaminergic neurons. In children with attention deficit disorder, methylphenidate decreases motor restlessness and enhances the ability to pay attention. In narcolepsy, methylphenidate appears to act at the cerebral cortex and subcortical structures, including the thalamus, to produce CNS stimulation, resulting in increaed motor activity, increased mental alertness, diminished sense of fatigue, brighter spirits, and mild euphoria.

USP Convention. USPDI - Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. 17th ed. Volume I. Rockville, MD: Convention, Inc., 1997. (Plus Updates)., p. 2010


Mode of action: Appears to exert most or all of its effect in the CNS by causing release of biogenic amines, especially norepinephrine and dopamine, from storage sites in nerve terminals. It may also slow down catecholamine metabolism by inhibiting monoamine oxidase.

International Programme on Chemical Safety; Poisons Information Monograph: Methylphenidate Hydrochloride (PIM 344) (1998) Available from, as of October 24, 2005: https://www.inchem.org/pages/pims.html