Two medicines, side by side
Guanfacine vs methylphenidate
Guanfacine and methylphenidate are both labeled for ADHD. Drugs@FDA records approvals of guanfacine since 1986 and of methylphenidate since 1955. Pharmacies paid $0.147 per guanfacine 1 mg tablet and $0.158 per methylphenidate 10 mg tablet (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like. Methylphenidate's other strengths are brand-only: $2.43 per mL (Quillivant XR 25 mg/5 mL suspension). In FDA's classes, guanfacine is a central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist and methylphenidate a central nervous system stimulant.
Check it at the source: the guanfacine FDA label on DailyMed (effective June 23, 2025); the methylphenidate FDA label on DailyMed (effective July 31, 2026).
Highlights of the guanfacine record
Guanfacine (Intuniv) · label of June 23, 2025
Used for
From the label: indicationsINTUNIV ® is indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as monotherapy and as adjunctive therapy to stimulant medications [see Clinical Studies (14) ]. INTUNIV is a central alpha 2A -adrenergic receptor agonist indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as monotherapy and as adjunctive therapy to stimulant medications ( 1 , 14 ).
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- October 27, 1986
- Generic labelers
- 36 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.147 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- A presentation being discontinued
- Recalls
- 1
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 (Guanfacine label of June 23, 2025, Methylphenidate label of July 31, 2026); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do guanfacine and methylphenidate differ on the record?
In FDA's classes, guanfacine is a central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist and methylphenidate a central nervous system stimulant.
How each works, in its label's words: Guanfacine, “Guanfacine is a central alpha 2A -adrenergic receptor agonist.”; Methylphenidate, “Methylphenidate hydrochloride is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant.”
Only the methylphenidate label carries a boxed warning.
Generics: guanfacine since 1995; methylphenidate since 1977 (Drugs@FDA).
DEA schedule: guanfacine none; methylphenidate CII.
| Guanfacine | Methylphenidate | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | ADHD, High blood pressure | ADHD |
| Pharmacologic class | Central alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist | Central Nervous System Stimulant |
| How it works (label) | Guanfacine is a central alpha 2A -adrenergic receptor agonist. Guanfacine is not a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. The mechanism of action of guanfacine 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) | n/a | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | October 27, 1986 | December 5, 1955 |
| First generic approved | October 17, 1995 | December 23, 1977 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 36 labelers | 31 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.147 per tablet (Guanfacine 1 mg tablet) | $0.158 per tablet (Methylphenidate 10 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | -5% | -14% |
| Boxed warning | No | Yes |
| Shortage now | A presentation being discontinued | In shortage |
| Recalls recorded | 1 | 55 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 7,825 | 73,102 |
| DEA schedule | none | 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)
What next?
- Alternatives to guanfacine
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions