Concerta® (methylphenidate)

Concerta® (methylphenidate) is a stimulant medication in the methylphenidate class used primarily in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

• Essentially mimics taking Ritalin three times a day (TID), by having 3 independent dose deliveries over a longer period of time.
  • OROS Delivery System
• Capsule shell is excreted in the stool (tell patient this ahead of time!)
• Capsule must not be cut or chewed and must be swallowed whole!
• Cannot be easily tampered with for purposes of drug abuse or misuse
  • However, 22% of the total dosage is on the outside of the pill (for immediate release), which can be scrapped/extracted and abused.

• Formulations: 18, 27, 36, 54 mg tabs
• Starting dose: 18mg qAM
• Titration: increase by 9-18mg qWeekly
• Maximum dose: 54 mg in children/adolescents, 72 mg in adults