Table 3. Extended release methylphenidate medications (10-15).
| Drug brand | Formulation (mg) | Dosing | Duration (hrs) | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methylin ER (methylphenidate) | Tablet: 10, 20 | Initial: 10 mg/day. Titration: 10 mg/week. Max: 60 mg/day | 4–6 | Given shorter duration, may need 2nd dose of immediate release medication in afternoon |
| Metadate ER (methylphenidate) | ||||
| Ritalin SR (methylphenidate) | Tablet: 20; capsule: 20, 30, 40 | Initial: 20 mg/day. Titration: 20 mg/week. Max: 60 mg/day | 6–8 | Metadate CD and Ritalin LA capsule can be sprinkled |
| Ritalin LA (methylphenidate) | ||||
| Metadate CD (methylphenidate) | ||||
| Quillivant XR (methylphenidate) | Suspension: 25 mg/5 mL; tablet: 20, 30, 40 | 9–12 | – | |
| Quillichew ER (methylphenidate) | ||||
| Concerta (methylphenidate) | Capsule: 18, 27, 36, 54 | Initial: 18 mg daily. Titration: 18 mg/week. Max (age/weight based): 6–12 yr/<50 kg, 54 mg/day; >12 yr/>50 kg, 72 mg/day | 9–12 | Cannot crush, cut, chew OROS capsules |
| Daytrana (methylphenidate) | Patch: 10, 15, 20, 30 | Initial: 10 mg patch applied daily (apply to hip 2 hrs before effect needed, remove 9 hours after application). Titration: increase to next transdermal patch dosage size no more frequently than every week | 12 | Can remove before 9 hrs for shorter duration of effect |
| Potential for sensitization to methylphenidate due to topical route | ||||
| Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate) | Capsule: 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 | Initial: 5 mg/day. Titration: 2.5–5 mg/week. Max: 30 mg/day | 9–12 | – |
All preparations are methylphenidate except, Focalin XR, which is a dexmethylphenidate. Drug brand names refer to United States brand names. BID, twice daily; CD, controlled delivery; ER, extended release; hrs, hours; kg, kilograms; LA, long acting; max, maximum; mg, milligrams; mL, milliliters; OROS, osmotic controlled release oral delivery system; SR, sustained release; XR, extended release; yr, years old.