Methylphenidate pharmacokinetics and molecular data

Pharmacokinetics
Overview Mode of action Extended release tablets

Overview
Methylphenidate is a mild central nervous system stimulant. Return to top

Mode of action
The mode of action in man is not completely understood, but Methylphenidate presumably activates the brain stem arousal system and cortex to produce its stimulant effect. There is neither specific evidence which clearly establishes the mechanism whereby Methylphenidate produces its mental and behavioral effects in children, nor conclusive evidence regarding how these effects relate to the condition of the central nervous system. Return to top

Extended release tablets
Methylphenidate hydrochloride in extended-release tablets is more slowly but as extensively absorbed as in the regular tablets. Bioavailability of a Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablet was compared to an extended-release reference product and an immediate-release product. The extent of absorption for the three products was similar, and the rate of absorption of the two extended-release products was not statistically different. In a clinical study involving adult subjects who received extended-release tablets, plasma concentrations of Methylphenidate hydrochloride’s major metabolite appeared to be greater in females than in males. No gender differences were observed for Methylphenidate hydrochloride’s plasma concentration in the same subjects. Return to top