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Ritalin

methylphenidate hydrochloride · Tablet

Prescription NDA Schedule CII TE AB 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
Ritalin
Generic name
methylphenidate hydrochloride
Dosage form
Tablet
Route
Oral
Marketing category
NDA · NDA
Labeler
Sandoz Inc
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
CII
Active ingredients
3
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
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride 10 mg/1 1091341 View
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride 20 mg/1 1091341 View
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride 5 mg/1 1091341 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Tablet
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
010187
Application type
NDA · New Drug Application
Approval date
December 5, 1955
Sponsor
SANDOZ
Products on application
3
Submissions recorded
58
Products approved under application 010187.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
010187-003 RITALIN TABLET METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE Prescription AB RLD
010187-006 RITALIN TABLET METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE Prescription AB RLD
010187-010 RITALIN TABLET METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE Prescription AB RLD RS

Therapeutic equivalence

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

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing

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

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 010187.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 94 Labeling Approved February 4, 2025 Standard
Supplement 96 Labeling Approved October 13, 2023 Standard
Supplement 92 Labeling Approved October 13, 2023 Standard
Supplement 93 Labeling Approved June 26, 2021 901 Required
Supplement 91 Labeling Approved November 19, 2019 Standard
Supplement 82 Labeling Approved January 10, 2019 Standard
Supplement 71 Labeling Approved January 10, 2019 Standard
Supplement 87 Labeling Approved January 4, 2017 901 Required
Supplement 84 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved May 27, 2016 Standard
Supplement 81 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved October 2, 2015 Standard
Supplement 80 Labeling Approved April 17, 2015 901 Required
Supplement 78 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved July 14, 2014 Standard
Supplement 76 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved February 7, 2014 Standard
Supplement 77 Labeling Approved December 13, 2013 Standard
Supplement 75 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved October 25, 2013 Standard
Supplement 74 Labeling Approved June 7, 2013 Standard
Supplement 73 Labeling Approved December 9, 2010 Standard
Supplement 72 Labeling Approved November 15, 2010 Unknown
Supplement 69 Labeling Approved April 25, 2007 Standard
Supplement 67 Labeling Approved August 8, 2006 Standard
Supplement 66 Labeling Approved August 8, 2006 Standard
Supplement 58 Labeling Approved May 21, 2004 Standard
Supplement 57 Labeling Approved May 21, 2004 Standard
Supplement 62 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 12, 2002 Standard
Supplement 61 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved May 29, 2002 Standard
Supplement 60 Labeling Approved January 11, 2002 Standard
Supplement 59 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved August 15, 2001 Standard
Supplement 56 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved January 11, 2000 Standard
Supplement 55 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved April 13, 1999 Standard
Supplement 54 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved November 24, 1998 Standard
Supplement 53 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved September 17, 1998 Standard
Supplement 52 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved August 12, 1998 Standard
Supplement 51 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved April 24, 1998 Standard
Supplement 50 Labeling Approved February 20, 1998 Standard
Supplement 48 Labeling Approved July 9, 1997 Standard
Supplement 46 Labeling Approved July 9, 1997 Standard
Supplement 42 Labeling Approved July 9, 1997 —
Supplement 39 Labeling Approved July 9, 1997 —
Supplement 47 Labeling Approved December 15, 1995 Standard
Supplement 45 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 1, 1995 Standard
Supplement 44 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved August 19, 1994 Standard
Supplement 43 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved May 31, 1994 Standard
Supplement 41 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved March 7, 1994 Standard
Supplement 40 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved March 9, 1990 Standard
Supplement 38 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved December 8, 1987 Standard
Supplement 37 Labeling Approved January 21, 1986 —
Supplement 34 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved October 10, 1985 Standard
Supplement 36 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved March 13, 1985 Standard
Supplement 32 Labeling Approved February 18, 1981 —
Supplement 31 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved March 6, 1980 Standard
Supplement 30 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved February 15, 1980 Standard
Supplement 26 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved October 12, 1979 Standard
Supplement 28 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved September 9, 1975 Standard
Supplement 25 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved September 9, 1975 Standard
Supplement 24 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved September 9, 1975 Standard
Supplement 23 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved September 9, 1975 Standard
Supplement 21 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved February 21, 1975 Standard
Original application 1 Type 3 - New Dosage Form Approved December 5, 1955 Standard

Review documents

  • 0 · Supplement · February 6, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · February 6, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · February 5, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · October 17, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · October 17, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · October 16, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · October 16, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · June 29, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · June 29, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · November 20, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · November 20, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · January 18, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · January 18, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · January 11, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · January 11, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · January 13, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · January 6, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · April 21, 2015
  • 0 · Supplement · April 21, 2015
  • 0 · Supplement · December 17, 2013
  • 0 · Supplement · December 16, 2013
  • 0 · Supplement · June 11, 2013
  • 0 · Supplement · June 11, 2013
  • 0 · Supplement · December 15, 2010
  • 0 · Supplement · December 10, 2010
  • 0 · Supplement · November 18, 2010
  • 0 · Supplement · November 17, 2010
  • 0 · Original application · May 10, 2007
  • 0 · Supplement · May 1, 2007
  • 0 · Supplement · May 1, 2007

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20250205). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20250205

Boxed Warning

openFDA Drug Labeling

WARNING: ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION Ritalin 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 Ritalin, 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 Ritalin, 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 Ritalin 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. Ritalin 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 Ritalin, can result in overdose and death ( 5.1 , 9.2 , 10 ): • Before prescribing Ritalin, 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.

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Ritalin is indicated for the treatment of: • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) in pediatric patients 6 years and older and adults • Narcolepsy Ritalin is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) and Narcolepsy ( 1 ).

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Pediatric Patients 6 Years and Older: Start with 5 mg twice daily (before breakfast and lunch), titrating the dose weekly in 5- to 10-mg increments. Dosages above 60 mg/day are not recommended ( 2.2 ). • Adults: Average daily dosage is 20 mg to 30 mg, administered 2 or 3 times daily, preferably 30 to 45 minutes before meals. Maximum total daily dosage is 60 mg ( 2.2 ). 2.1 Pretreatment Screening Prior to treating patients with Ritalin, 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 Ritalin [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )]. 2.2 General Dosing Information Pediatric Patients 6 years and Older : Start with 5 mg orally twice daily (before breakfast and lunch). Increase dosage gradually, in increments of 5-to 10-mg weekly. Daily dosage above 60 mg is not recommended. Adults : Average dosage is 20 to 30 mg daily. Administer orally in divided doses 2 or 3 times daily, preferably 30 to 45 minutes before meals. Maximum total daily dosage is 60 mg. Patients who are unable to sleep if medication is taken late in the day should take the last dose before 6 p.m. 2.3 Dosage Reduction and Discontinuation If paradoxical worsening of symptoms or other adverse reactions occur, reduce the dosage, or, if necessary, discontinue Ritalin. If improvement is not observed after appropriate dosage adjustment over a one-month period, the drug should be discontinued.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS • 5 mg, round, yellow, flat with CIBA monogram on one side and NDC# 7 on the reverse side • 10 mg, round, pale green, biconvex with CIBA monogram on one side and NDC# 3 and a partial bisection on the reverse side • 20 mg, round, pale yellow, biconvex with CIBA monogram on one side and NDC# 34 and a partial bisection on the reverse side • Tablets: 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg ( 3 )

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS • Hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or other components of Ritalin. Hypersensitivity reactions, such as angioedema and anaphylactic reactions, have been reported in patients treated with methylphenidate [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . • Concomitant treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or within 14 days following discontinuation of treatment with an MAOI, because of the risk of hypertensive crises [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )] . • Known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or other product components of Ritalin ( 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 Ritalin, screen patients for risk factors for developing a manic episode. If new psychotic or manic symptoms occur, consider discontinuing Ritalin ( 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 Ritalin treatment. 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 : Closely monitor growth (height and weight) in pediatric patients. Pediatric patients not growing or gaining height or weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted ( 5.7 ). • Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma: Ritalin -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 Ritalin 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 Ritalin, 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 Ritalin have a high potential for abuse and misuse. The use of Ritalin exposes individuals to the risks of abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Ritalin 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 Ritalin, 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 Ritalin, 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 Ritalin in a safe place, preferably locked, and instruct patients to not give Ritalin to anyone else. Throughout Ritalin 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 are treated with CNS stimulants at the recommended ADHD dosage. Avoid Ritalin use in patients with known serious 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 Ritalin-treated patients for hypertension and tachycardia. 5.4 Psychiatric Adverse Reactions Exacerbation of Pre-existing Psychosis CNS stimulants may exacerbate symptoms of behavior d …

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 ), Drug Abuse and Dependence ( 9.2 , 9.3 )] • Known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or other ingredients of Ritalin [see Contraindications ( 4 )] • Hypertensive crisis with Concomitant Use of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors [see Contraindications ( 4 ), Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )] • 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 )] The following adverse reactions associated with the use of Ritalin and other methylphenidate products were identified in clinical trials, spontaneous reports, and literature. Because these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to estimate their frequency reliably or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Adverse Reactions Reported with Ritalin Infections and Infestations: nasopharyngitis Blood and the Lymphatic System Disorders: leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia Immune System Disorders: hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema, and anaphylaxis Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: decreased appetite, reduced weight gain, and suppression of growth during prolonged use in pediatric patients Psychiatric Disorders: insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, agitation, psychosis (sometimes with visual and tactile hallucinations), depressed mood, depression Nervous System Disorders: headache, dizziness, tremor, dyskinesia, including choreoatheetoid movements, drowsiness, convulsions, cerebrovascular disorders (including vasculitis, cerebral hemorrhages and cerebrovascular accidents), serotonin syndrome in combination with serotonergic drugs Eye Disorders: blurred vision, difficulties in visual accommodation Cardiac Disorders: tachycardia, palpitations, increased blood pressure, arrhythmias, angina pectoris Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders: cough Gastrointestinal Disorders: dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dyspepsia Hepatobiliary Disorders: abnormal liver function, ranging from transaminase elevation to severe hepatic injury Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: hyperhidrosis, pruritus, urticaria, exfoliative dermatitis, scalp hair loss, erythema multiforme rash, thrombocytopenic purpura Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: arthralgia, muscle cramps, rhabdomyolysis, trismus Investigations: weight loss (adult ADHD patients) Vascular Disorders: peripheral coldness, Raynaud's phenomenon Additional Adverse Reactions Reported with Other Methylphenidate-Containing Products The list below shows adverse reactions not listed for Ritalin that have been reported with other methylphenidate-containing products. Blood and Lymphatic Disorders: pancytopenia Immune System Disorders: hypersensitivity reactions, such as auricular swelling, bullous conditions, eruptions, exanthemas Psychiatric Disorders: affect lability, mania, disorientation, and libido changes Nervous System Disorders: migraine, motor and verbal tics Eye Disorders: diplopia, increased intraocular pressure, mydriasis Cardiac Disorders: sudden cardiac death, myocardial infarction, bradycardia, extrasystole Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders: pharyngolaryngeal pain, dyspnea Gastroin …

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 Drug Interactions with Ritalin Table 1 presents clinically important drug interactions with Ritalin. Table 1: Clinically Important Drug Interactions with Ritalin Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) Clinical Impact Concomitant use of MAOIs and CNS stimulants, including Ritalin 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 Concomitant use of Ritalin with MAOIs or within 14 days after discontinuing MAOI treatment is contraindicated. Antihypertensive Drugs Clinical Impact Ritalin 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 Ritalin may increase the risk of sudden blood pressure and heart rate increase during surgery. Intervention Avoid use of Ritalin 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 Ritalin, during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for ADHD Medications at 1-866-961-2388 or visiting https://womensmentalhealth.org/adhd-medications/ . Risk Summary 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) . No effects on morphological development were observed in embryo-fetal development studies with oral administration of methylphenidate to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at doses up to 10 and 15 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 60 mg/day given to adolescents on a mg/m 2 basis. However, spina bifida was observed in rabbits at a dose 52 times the MRHD given to adolescents. A decrease in pup body weight was observed in a pre- and post-natal development study with oral administration of methylphenidate to rats throughout pregnancy and lactation at doses 6 times the MRHD given to adolescents (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 Ritalin, 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, methylphenidate was administered orally at doses of up to 75 and 200 mg/kg/day, respectively, during the period of organogenesis. Malformations (increased incidence of fetal spina bifida) were observed in rabbits at the highest dose, which is approximately 52 times the MRHD of 60 mg/day given to adolescents on a mg/m 2 basis. The no effect level for embryo-fetal development in rabbits was 60 mg/kg/day (15times the MRHD given to adolescents on a mg/m 2 basis). There was no evidence of morphological development effects in rats, although increased incidences of fetal skeletal variations were seen at the highest dose level (10 times the MRHD of 60 mg/day given to adolescents on a mg/m 2 basis), which was also maternally toxic. The no effect level for embryo-fetal development in rats was 25 mg/kg/day (3 times the MRHD on a mg/m 2 basis). When methylphenidate was administered to rats throughout pregnancy and lactation at doses of up to 45 mg/kg/day, offspring body weight gain was decreased at the highest dose (6 times the MRHD of 60 mg/day given to adolescents on a mg/m 2 basis), but no other effects on postnatal development were observed. The no effect level for pre- and postnatal development in rats was 15 mg/kg/day (approximately 2 times the MRHD given to adolescents on a mg/m 2 basis). 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Limited published literature, based on milk sampling from seven mothers, reports that methylphenidate is present in human milk, which resulted in infant doses of 0.16% to 0.7% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage and a milk/plasma ratio ranging between 1.1 and 2.7. There are no reports of adverse effects on the breastfed infant and no effects on milk production. Long-term neurodeve …

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action Methylphenidate hydrochloride is a CNS stimulant. The mode of therapeutic action in ADHD and narcolepsy is not known.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION Ritalin contains methylphenidate hydrochloride, a CNS stimulant. It is available as tablets of 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg strengths for oral administration. Methylphenidate hydrochloride is methyl α-phenyl-2-piperidineacetate hydrochloride, and its structural formula is: Methylphenidate hydrochloride USP is a white, odorless, fine crystalline 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. Ritalin tablets contains the following inactive ingredients: D&C Yellow No. 10 (5-mg and 20-mg tablets), FD&C Green No. 3 (10-mg tablets), lactose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, starch (5-mg and 10-mg tablets), sucrose, talc, and tragacanth (20-mg tablets). Methylphenidate hydrochloride structural formula.

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. 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 • 5 mg tablets (NDC 66758-273-01) round, yellow, (imprinted "CIBA 7") supplied in bottles of 100 • 10 mg tablets (NDC 66758-274-01) round, pale green, scored, (imprinted "CIBA 3") supplied in bottles of 100 • 20 mg tablets (NDC 66758-275-01) round, pale yellow, scored, (imprinted "CIBA 34") supplied in bottles of 100 Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F) [see USP controlled room temperature]. Protect from light. Dispense in tight, light-resistant container (USP).

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
58,466
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: METHYLPHENIDATE 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
66758-273-01 66758-273 Sandoz Inc 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (66758-273-01) July 28, 2025
66758-274-01 66758-274 Sandoz Inc 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (66758-274-01) December 18, 2024
66758-275-01 66758-275 Sandoz Inc 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (66758-275-01) December 18, 2024
66758-273 66758-273 Sandoz Inc — December 31, 1955
66758-274 66758-274 Sandoz Inc — December 31, 1955
66758-275 66758-275 Sandoz Inc — December 31, 1955

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.