On this page

AZSTARYS

Serdexmethylphenidate and Dexmethylphenidate · Capsule

Prescription NDA Schedule CII RLD Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
AZSTARYS
Generic name
Serdexmethylphenidate and Dexmethylphenidate
Dosage form
Capsule
Route
Oral
Marketing category
NDA · NDA
Labeler
Commave Sub, LLC
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
CII
Active ingredients
6
NDC product codes
3
Packages
3
Data completeness
76% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Dexmethylphenidate Hydrochloride 10.4 mg/1 899439 View
Dexmethylphenidate Hydrochloride 5.2 mg/1 899439 View
Dexmethylphenidate Hydrochloride 7.8 mg/1 899439 View
Serdexmethylphenidate Chloride 26.1 mg/1 2562186 —
Serdexmethylphenidate Chloride 39.2 mg/1 2562186 —
Serdexmethylphenidate Chloride 52.3 mg/1 2562186 —

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Capsule
Route of administration
Oral
Presentations
6

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Central Nervous System Stimulant [EPC] EPC All 93 members
Central Nervous System Stimulation [PE] PE All 95 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
212994
Application type
NDA · New Drug Application
Approval date
March 2, 2021
Sponsor
COMMAVE SUB
Products on application
3
Submissions recorded
4
Products approved under application 212994.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
212994-001 AZSTARYS CAPSULE DEXMETHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE; SERDEXMETHYLPHENIDATE CHLORIDE Prescription — RLD
212994-002 AZSTARYS CAPSULE DEXMETHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE; SERDEXMETHYLPHENIDATE CHLORIDE Prescription — RLD
212994-003 AZSTARYS CAPSULE DEXMETHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE; SERDEXMETHYLPHENIDATE CHLORIDE Prescription — RLD RS

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
—
Reference Listed Drug
Yes
Reference Standard
Yes

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Patents and exclusivity

Source: Orange Book
Patent listings submitted under 21 U.S.C. 355(b)(1) and (c)(2).
Patent Expires Product Substance Use code Submitted
9079928 May 7, 2035 001 No May 17, 2021
9079928 May 7, 2035 002 No May 17, 2021
9079928 May 7, 2035 003 No May 17, 2021
10858341 December 9, 2037 001 No U-3094 May 17, 2021
10954213 December 9, 2037 001 No U-3094 May 17, 2021
10584112 December 9, 2037 001 Yes May 17, 2021
10584113 December 9, 2037 001 No May 17, 2021
10759778 December 9, 2037 001 No May 17, 2021
10858341 December 9, 2037 002 No U-3094 May 17, 2021
10954213 December 9, 2037 002 No U-3094 May 17, 2021
10584112 December 9, 2037 002 Yes May 17, 2021
10759778 December 9, 2037 002 No May 17, 2021
10584113 December 9, 2037 002 No May 17, 2021
10954213 December 9, 2037 003 No U-3094 May 17, 2021
10858341 December 9, 2037 003 No U-3094 May 17, 2021
10759778 December 9, 2037 003 No May 17, 2021
10584113 December 9, 2037 003 No May 17, 2021
10584112 December 9, 2037 003 Yes May 17, 2021
Regulatory exclusivity periods.
Code Expires Product
NCE May 7, 2026 001
NCE May 7, 2026 002
NCE May 7, 2026 003

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 212994.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 12 Labeling Approved September 23, 2025 Standard
Supplement 7 Labeling Approved October 13, 2023 Standard
Supplement 4 Labeling Approved October 13, 2023 Standard
Original application 1 Type 1 - New Molecular Entity and Type 4 - New Combination Approved March 2, 2021 Standard

Review documents

  • 0 · Supplement · September 25, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · September 25, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · September 25, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · October 23, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · October 17, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · October 17, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · October 17, 2023
  • 0 · Original application · October 8, 2021
  • 0 · Original application · April 1, 2021
  • 0 · Original application · March 4, 2021
  • 0 · Original application · March 4, 2021
  • 0 · Original application · March 4, 2021

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260511). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260511

Boxed Warning

openFDA Drug Labeling

WARNING: ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION AZSTARYS 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 AZSTARYS, 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 AZSTARYS, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Educate patients and their families about these risks, proper storage of the drug, and proper disposal of any unused drug. Throughout AZSTARYS treatment, reassess each patient’s risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) and Drug Abuse and Dependence ( 9.2 )]. WARNING: ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. AZSTARYS 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 AZSTARYS, can result in overdose and death ( 5.1 , 9.2 , 10 ): Before prescribing AZSTARYS, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Educate patients and their families about these risks, proper storage of the drug, and proper disposal of any unused drug. Throughout treatment, reassess each patient’s risk and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction.

Recent Major Changes

openFDA Drug Labeling

RECENT MAJOR CHANGES Indications and Usage ( 1 ) 09/2025 Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ) 09/2025

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE AZSTARYS is indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in patients 6 years of age and older. Limitations of Use The use of AZSTARYS is not recommended in pediatric patients younger than 6 years of age because they had higher plasma exposure and a higher incidence of adverse reactions (e.g., weight loss) than patients 6 years and older at the same dosage [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 )]. AZSTARYS is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in patients 6 years of age and older. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use The use of AZSTARYS is not recommended in pediatric patients younger than 6 years of age because they had higher plasma exposure and a higher incidence of adverse reactions (e.g., weight loss) than patients 6 years and older at the same dosage (5.7, 8.4).

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Pediatric Patients 6 to 12 years : Recommended starting dosage is 39.2 mg/7.8 mg orally once daily in the morning. Dosage may be increased to 52.3 mg/10.4 mg daily or decreased to 26.1 mg/5.2 mg daily after one week. Maximum recommended dosage is 52.3 mg/10.4 mg once daily. ( 2.2 ) Adults and Pediatric Patients 13 to 17 years: Recommended starting dosage is 39.2 mg/7.8 mg orally once daily in the morning. Increase the dosage after one week to 52.3 mg/10.4 mg once daily depending on response and tolerability. ( 2.2 ) Administer with or without food. ( 2.3 ) Swallow capsules whole or open and sprinkle onto applesauce or add to water. ( 2.3 ) To avoid substitution errors and overdosage, do not substitute for other methylphenidate products on a milligram-per-milligram basis. ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Pretreatment Screening Prior to treating patients with AZSTARYS, assess: for the presence of cardiac disease (i.e., perform a careful history, family history of sudden death or ventricular arrhythmia, and physical exam) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. the family history and clinically evaluate patients for motor or verbal tics or Tourette’s syndrome before initiating AZSTARYS [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )]. 2.2 Recommended Dosage Pediatric Patients 6 to 12 years of age The recommended starting dosage of AZSTARYS is 39.2 mg serdexmethylphenidate/7.8 mg dexmethylphenidate once daily in the morning. The dosage may be increased after one week to a dosage of 52.3 mg serdexmethylphenidate/10.4 mg dexmethylphenidate per day, or decreased after one week to a dosage of 26.1 mg serdexmethylphenidate/5.2 mg dexmethylphenidate per day, depending on response and tolerability. Maximum recommended dosage is 52.3 mg serdexmethylphendiate/10.4 mg dexmethyphenidate once daily. Adults and Pediatric Patients 13 to 17 years of age The recommended starting dosage of AZSTARYS is 39.2 mg serdexmethylphenidate/7.8 mg dexmethylphenidate once daily in the morning. Increase the dosage after one week to a dosage of 52.3 mg serdexmethylphenidate/10.4 mg dexmethylphenidate per day, depending on response and tolerability. Maximum recommended dosage is 52.3 mg serdexmethylphenidate/10.4 mg dexmethylphenidate once daily. 2.3 Administration Instructions Administer AZSTARYS orally once daily in the morning with or without food [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . AZSTARYS capsules may be taken whole, or opened and the entire contents sprinkled into 50 mL of water or over 2 tablespoons of applesauce. Consume all the drug/food mixture immediately or within 10 minutes of mixing; do not store for future use [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . 2.4 Switching from Other Methylphenidate Products If switching from other methylphenidate products, discontinue that treatment, and titrate with AZSTARYS using the titration schedule described above. Do not substitute AZSTARYS for other methylphenidate products on a milligram-per-milligram basis because these products have different pharmacokinetic profiles from AZSTARYS and may have different methylphenidate base composition [see Description ( 11 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . 2.5 Dosage Reduction and Discontinuation If paradoxical aggravation of symptoms or other adverse reactions occur, reduce dosage or, if necessary, discontinue AZSTARYS. If improvement is not observed after appropriate dosage adjustment over a one-month period, discontinue AZSTARYS.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS AZSTARYS capsules are available as: 26.1 mg/5.2 mg (serdexmethylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate) – blue cap/grey body, imprinted with "286" on cap and "KP415" on the body 39.2 mg/7.8 mg (serdexmethylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate) – dark blue cap/grey body, imprinted with "429" on cap and "KP415" on the body 52.3 mg/10.4 mg (serdexmethylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate) – orange cap/grey body, imprinted with "5612" on cap and "KP415" on the body Capsules (serdexmethylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate): 26.1 mg/5.2 mg, 39.2 mg/7.8 mg, 52.3 mg/10.4 mg. ( 3 )

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS AZSTARYS is contraindicated in patients: with known hypersensitivity to serdexmethylphenidate, methylphenidate, or other components of AZSTARYS. Bronchospasm, rash, and pruritus have been reported in patients who received AZSTARYS. Hypersensitivity reactions such as angioedema and anaphylactic reactions have been reported in patients treated with other methylphenidate products [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] . receiving concomitant treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or within 14 days following discontinuation of treatment with an MAOI, because of the risk of hypertensive crisis [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )] . Known hypersensitivity to serdexmethylphenidate, methylphenidate, or product components. ( 4 ) Concurrent treatment with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or use of an MAOI within the preceding 14 days. ( 4 )

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Risks to Patients with Serious Cardiac Disease : Avoid use in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, or other serious cardiac disease. (5.2) Increased Blood Pressure and Heart Rate : Monitor blood pressure and pulse. (5.3) Psychiatric Adverse Reactions : Prior to initiating AZSTARYS, screen patients for risk factors for developing a manic episode. If new psychotic or manic symptoms occur, consider discontinuing AZSTARYS. (5.4) Priapism : If abnormally sustained or frequent and painful erections occur, patients should seek immediate medical attention. (5.5) Peripheral Vasculopathy, including Raynaud's Phenomenon : Careful observation for digital changes is necessary during AZSTARYS treatment with ADHD stimulants. Further clinical evaluation (e.g., rheumatology referral) may be appropriate for patients who develop signs or symptoms of peripheral vasculopathy. (5.6) Long-Term Suppression of Growth in Pediatric Patients : Monitor height and weight at appropriate intervals in pediatric patients. (5.7) Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma : AZSTARYS-treated patients considered at risk for acute angle closure glaucoma (e.g., patients with significant hyperopia) should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist. (5.8) Increased Intraocular Pressure (IOP) and Glaucoma : Prescribe AZSTARYS to patients with open-angle glaucoma or abnormally increased IOP only if the benefit of treatment is considered to outweigh the risk. Closely monitor patients with a history of increased IOP or open angle glaucoma. (5.9) Motor and Verbal Tics, and Worsening of Tourette’s Syndrome: Before initiating AZSTARYS, assess the family history and clinically evaluate patients for tics or Tourette’s syndrome. Regularly monitor patients for the emergence or worsening of tics or Tourette’s syndrome. Discontinue treatment if clinically appropriate. (5.10) 5.1 Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction AZSTARYS has a high potential for abuse and misuse. The use of AZSTARYS exposes individuals to the risks of abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. AZSTARYS can be diverted for non-medical use into illicit channels or distribution [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2) ] . Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including AZSTARYS, 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 AZSTARYS, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Educate patients and their families about these risks and proper disposal of any unused drug. Advise patients to store AZSTARYS in a safe place, preferably locked, and instruct patients to not give AZSTARYS to anyone else. Throughout AZSTARYS treatment, reassess each patient’s risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction. 5.2 Risks to Patients with Serious Cardiac Disease Sudden death has been reported in patients with structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious cardiac disease who were treated with CNS stimulants at the recommended ADHD dosage. Avoid AZSTARYS use in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious cardiac arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, or other serious cardiac disease. 5.3 Increased Blood Pressure and Heart Rate CNS stimulants cause an increase in blood pressure (mean increase approximately 2 to 4 mmHg) and heart rate (mean increase approximately 3 to 6 beats per minute). Some patients may have larger increases. Monitor all AZSTARYS-treated patients for hypertension and tachycardia. 5.4 Psychiatric Adverse Reactions Exacerbation of Pre-Existing Psychosis CNS stimulants may exacerbate symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder in patients with a pre-existing psychotic disorder. Induction of a Manic Episode in …

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , and Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2 , 9.3) ] Known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or other ingredients of AZSTARYS [see Contraindications (4) ] Hypertensive Crisis with Concomitant Use of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors [see Contraindications (4) ] Risks to Patients with Serious Cardiac Disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Increased Blood Pressure and Heart Rate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Psychiatric Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Priapism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Peripheral Vasculopathy, including Raynaud's Phenomenon [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Long-Term Suppression of Growth in Pediatric Patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Increased Intraocular Pressure and Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Motor and Verbal Tics, and Worsening of Tourette’s Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Based on accumulated data from other methylphenidate products, the most common (>5% and twice the rate of placebo) adverse reactions are appetite decreased, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, weight decreased, anxiety, dizziness, irritability, affect lability, tachycardia, and blood pressure increased. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Corium, LLC at 1-855-253-2407 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. Adverse Reactions in Studies with Other Methylphenidate Products in Pediatric Patients and Adults with ADHD Commonly reported (≥ 5% of the methylphenidate group and at least twice the rate of the placebo group) adverse reactions from placebo-controlled trials of methylphenidate products include: decreased appetite, decreased weight, nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, vomiting, insomnia, anxiety, affect lability, irritability, dizziness, increased blood pressure, and tachycardia. Adverse Reactions in Studies with AZSTARYS in Pediatric Patients (6 to 12 years) with ADHD Short-Term Study A short-term study conducted in pediatric patients 6 to 12 years of age with ADHD was comprised of a 3-week, open-label, dose optimization phase in which all patients received AZSTARYS (n=155), followed by a 1-week, double-blind, controlled phase in which patients were randomized to continue AZSTARYS (n=74) or switch to placebo (n=76). Because of the study design, the reported adverse reaction rates cannot be used to predict the rates that may be expected in clinical practice. Long-Term Study A long-term, open-label safety study was conducted in pediatric patients 6 to 12 years of age with ADHD who either completed the short-term study or were de novo patients. This study was comprised of a 3-week dose optimization phase for patients not recently treated with AZSTARYS followed by a 12-month treatment phase for all patients during which 238 patients received open- label AZSTARYS and had evaluable safety data. A total of 154 patients were treated for 12 months. Because of the open-label, uncontrolled design of this study, the reported adverse reaction rates cannot be assessed in terms of a causal relationship to AZSTARYS treatment. To adjust for normal growth, z-scores were derived (measured in standard deviations [SD]); z- scores normalize for the natural growth of children and adolescents by comparisons to age- and sex-matched population standards. A z-score change less than 0.5 SD is considered not clinically significant. In this study, the mean increase in weight from baseline t …

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Antihypertensive Drugs: Monitor blood pressure. Adjust dosage of antihypertensive drug as needed. ( 7.1 ) 7.1 Clinically Important Interactions with AZSTARYS Table 1 presents clinically important drug interactions with AZSTARYS. Table 1: Clinically Important Drug Interactions with AZSTARYS Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact Concomitant use of MAOIs and CNS stimulants, including AZSTARYS, can cause hypertensive crisis. Potential outcomes include death, stroke, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, ophthalmological complications, eclampsia, pulmonary edema, and renal failure [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Intervention Do not administer AZSTARYS concomitantly with MAOIs or within 14 days after discontinuing MAOI treatment [see Contraindications ( 4 )] Antihypertensive Drugs Clinical Impact AZSTARYS may decrease the effectiveness of drugs used to treat hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Intervention Monitor blood pressure and adjust the dosage of the antihypertensive drug, as needed. Halogenated Anesthetics Clinical Impact Concomitant use of halogenated anesthetics and AZSTARYS may increase the risk of sudden blood pressure and heart rate increase during surgery. Intervention Avoid use of AZSTARYS in patients being treated with anesthetics on the day of surgery. Risperidone Clinical 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). Intervention Monitor for signs of EPS.

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to ADHD medications, including AZSTARYS, during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychostimulants at 1-866-961-2388. Risk Summary There are no available data on AZSTARYS use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug- associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes; however, AZSTARYS contains dexmethylphenidate and serdexmethylphenidate, a prodrug of dexmethylphenidate. Dexmethylphenidate is the d-threo enantiomer of racemic methylphenidate. Published studies and postmarketing reports on methylphenidate use during pregnancy have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There may be risks to the fetus associated with the use of CNS stimulants use during pregnancy ( see Clinical Considerations ). Embryo-fetal development studies in rats showed delayed fetal skeletal ossification at doses up to 3 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 40 mg/day dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride given to adults based on plasma levels. A decrease in pup weight in males was observed in a pre- and post-natal development study with oral administration of dexmethylphenidate to rats throughout pregnancy and lactation at doses 3 times the MRHD of 40 mg/day dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride given to adults based on plasma levels ( see Data ). No evidence of developmental effects were found in an embryo-fetal development study with oral administration of serdexmethylphenidate to rabbits during organogenesis at doses up to approximately 49 times the MRHD of 52 mg/day serdexmethylphenidate given to adults based on plasma levels ( see Data ). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions CNS stimulants, such as AZSTARYS, can cause vasoconstriction and thereby decrease placental perfusion. No fetal and/or neonatal adverse reactions have been reported with the use of therapeutic doses of methylphenidate during pregnancy; however, premature delivery and low birth weight infants have been reported in amphetamine-dependent mothers. Data Animal Data In embryo-fetal development studies conducted in rats and rabbits, dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride was administered orally at doses of up to 20 and 100 mg/kg/day, respectively, during the period of organogenesis. No evidence of malformations was found in either the rat or rabbit study; however, delayed fetal skeletal ossification was observed at the highest dose level in rats. When dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride was administered to rats throughout pregnancy and lactation at doses of up to 20 mg/kg/day, post-weaning body weight gain was decreased in male offspring at the highest dose, but no other effects on postnatal development were observed. At the highest doses tested, plasma levels [area under the curves (AUCs)] of dexmethylphenidate in pregnant rats and rabbits were approximately 3 and 1 times, respectively, those in adults dosed with 40 mg/day dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride. Racemic methylphenidate hydrochloride has been shown to cause malformations (increased incidence of fetal spina bifida) in rabbits when given in doses of 200 mg/kg/day throughout organogenesis. No evidence of developmental effects were found in an embryo-fetal development study with oral administration of serdexmethylphenidate in rabbits during organogenesis at doses of up to 374 mg/kg/day. At …

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action Serdexmethylphenidate is a prodrug of dexmethylphenidate. Dexmethylphenidate HCl is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. The mode of therapeutic action in ADHD is not known.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION AZSTARYS (serdexmethylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate) capsules contain dexmethylphenidate, a CNS stimulant, and serdexmethylphenidate, a prodrug of dexmethylphenidate. AZSTARYS capsules are intended for oral administration and each capsule contains a fixed molar ratio of 30% dexmethylphenidate and 70% serdexmethylphenidate. AZSTARYS contains 26.1/5.2, 39.2/7.8, or 52.3/10.4 mg of serdexmethylphenidate/ dexmethylphenidate (equivalent to 28/6, 42/9, or 56/12 mg of serdexmethylphenidate chloride/ dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride, respectively. The combined molar dose of serdexmethylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate in each dosage strength of AZSTARYS is equivalent to 20, 30, or 40 mg dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride, respectively (equivalent to 17.3, 25.9 or 34.6 mg dexmethylphenidate free base, respectively). The chemical name of serdexmethylphenidate chloride is 3-((( 1S )-1-carboxy-2-hydroxyethyl)carbamoyl)-1-(((( 2R )-2-(2-( 1R )-methoxy-2-oxo-1-phenylethyl)piperidine-1-carbonyl)oxy)methyl)pyridinium chloride. Its molecular formula is C 25 H 30 N 3 O 8 + •Cl - , and its structural formula is: Serdexmethylphenidate chloride is a white to off-white crystalline powder. Its solutions are acid to litmus. It is freely soluble in water, soluble in methanol, and slightly soluble in alcohol and acetone. Its molecular weight is 535.98 g/mol. Dexmethylphenidate is the d-threo enantiomer of racemic d,l -methylphenidate hydrochloride. The chemical name of dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride is methyl ( R )-2-phenyl-2-(( R )-piperidin-2-yl)acetate hydrochloride. Its molecular formula is C 14 H 19 NO 2 •HCl, and its structural formula is: Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride is a white to off-white powder. Its solutions are acid to litmus. It is freely soluble in water and in methanol, soluble in alcohol, and slightly soluble in chloroform and in acetone. Its molecular weight is 269.77 g/mol. Inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and talc. Each strength capsule also contains colorant ingredients in the capsule shell as follows: 26.1/5.2 mg: Black Iron Oxide, FD&C Blue No. 1, Titanium Dioxide 39.2/7.8 mg: Black Iron Oxide, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, Titanium Dioxide 52.3/10.4 mg: Black Iron Oxide, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 6, Titanium Dioxide chemical structure-1 chemical structure-2

10 OVERDOSAGE Clinical Effects of Overdose Overdose of CNS stimulants is characterized by the following sympathomimetic effects: Cardiovascular effects including tachyarrhythmias, and hypertension or hypotension. Vasospasm, myocardial infarction, or aortic dissection may precipitate sudden cardiac death. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy may develop. CNS effects including psychomotor agitation, confusion, and hallucinations. Serotonin syndrome, seizures, cerebral vascular accidents, and coma may occur. Life-threatening hyperthermia (temperatures greater than 104°F) and rhabdomyolysis may develop. Overdose Management Consider the possibility of multiple drug ingestion. The pharmacokinetic profile of AZSTARYS should be considered when treating patients with overdose. Because methylphenidate has a large volume of distribution and is rapidly metabolized, dialysis is not useful. Consider contacting the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdose management recommendations.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING AZSTARYS (serdexmethylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate) capsules are available as follows: 26.1 mg/5.2 mg Capsules – blue cap/grey body, imprinted with "286" on cap and "KP415" on the body Bottles of 100 ................................................................... NDC 65038-0286-99 39.2 mg/7.8 mg Capsules – dark blue cap/grey body, imprinted with "429" on cap and "KP415" on the body Bottles of 100 ................................................................... NDC 65038-0429-99 52.3 mg/10.4 mg Capsules – orange cap/grey body, imprinted with "5612" on cap and "KP415" on the body Bottles of 100 ................................................................... NDC 65038-0561-99 Storage Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from moisture. Dispense in tight container (USP).

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
4,207
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: DEXMETHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
65038-286-99 65038-286 Commave Sub, LLC 100 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (65038-286-99) July 16, 2021
65038-429-99 65038-429 Commave Sub, LLC 100 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (65038-429-99) July 16, 2021
65038-561-99 65038-561 Commave Sub, LLC 100 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (65038-561-99) July 16, 2021
65038-286 65038-286 Commave Sub, LLC — July 16, 2021
65038-429 65038-429 Commave Sub, LLC — July 16, 2021
65038-561 65038-561 Commave Sub, LLC — July 16, 2021

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.