Two medicines, side by side
Dexmethylphenidate vs methylphenidate
Dexmethylphenidate and methylphenidate are both labeled for ADHD. Drugs@FDA records approvals of dexmethylphenidate since 2001 and of methylphenidate since 1955. Pharmacies paid $1.45 per dexmethylphenidate ER 10 mg capsule and $0.158 per methylphenidate 10 mg tablet (NADAC, October 7, 2026). Methylphenidate's other strengths are brand-only: $2.43 per mL (Quillivant XR 25 mg/5 mL suspension). How each works, in its label's words: Dexmethylphenidate, “Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride is a CNS stimulant.”; Methylphenidate, “Methylphenidate hydrochloride is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant.”
Check it at the source: the dexmethylphenidate FDA label on DailyMed (effective May 30, 2024); the methylphenidate FDA label on DailyMed (effective July 31, 2026).
Highlights of the dexmethylphenidate record
Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin) · label of May 30, 2024
ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION Focalin 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 Focalin, 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 Focalin, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction.
Used for
From the label: indicationsFocalin is indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )]. Focalin is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) ( 1 ).
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- November 13, 2001
- Generic labelers
- 13 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $1.45 per capsule
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 2
Highlights of the methylphenidate record
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) · label of July 31, 2026
ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION Methylphenidate HCl Extended-Release Capsules CD 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 Methylphenidate HCl Extended-Release Capsules CD, 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.
Used for
From the label: indicationsMethylphenidate HCl Extended-Release Capsules CD is indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in pediatric patients 6 to 15 years of age. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- December 5, 1955
- Generic labelers
- 31 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.158 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- In shortage
- Recalls
- 55
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Dexmethylphenidate label of May 30, 2024, Methylphenidate label of July 31, 2026); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do dexmethylphenidate and methylphenidate differ on the record?
How each works, in its label's words: Dexmethylphenidate, “Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride is a CNS stimulant.”; Methylphenidate, “Methylphenidate hydrochloride is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant.”
Both are in FDA's class central nervous system stimulants.
Both labels carry a boxed warning; the records quote them.
Generics: dexmethylphenidate since 2007; methylphenidate since 1977 (Drugs@FDA).
| Dexmethylphenidate | Methylphenidate | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | ADHD | ADHD |
| Pharmacologic class | Central Nervous System Stimulant | Central Nervous System Stimulant |
| How it works (label) | Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride is a CNS stimulant. The mode of therapeutic action in ADHD is not known. | Methylphenidate hydrochloride is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. The mode of therapeutic action in ADHD is not known. |
| Half-life (label) | The mean terminal elimination half-life of dexmethylphenidate was approximately 2.2 hours. | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | November 13, 2001 | December 5, 1955 |
| First generic approved | January 29, 2007 | December 23, 1977 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 13 labelers | 31 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $1.45 per capsule (Dexmethylphenidate ER 10 mg capsule) | $0.158 per tablet (Methylphenidate 10 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | +4% | -14% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Shortage now | No current entry | In shortage |
| Recalls recorded | 2 | 55 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 4,207 | 73,102 |
| DEA schedule | CII | CII |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
Do their labels mention each other?
Dexmethylphenidate label, contraindicationsCONTRAINDICATIONS Hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or other components of Focalin.
Dexmethylphenidate label, drug interactionsClinical impact; Combined use of methylphenidate with risperidone when there is a change, whether an increase or decrease, in dosage of either or both medications, may increase the risk of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS).
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to dexmethylphenidate
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions