CONCERTA

METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE ORAL HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

CONCERTA is an FDA drug label for the active ingredient METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. administered by ORAL. This page reproduces the FDA-approved indications and usage, dosage, contraindications, warnings, and adverse reactions exactly as published in the drug label. Data source: openFDA (U.S. FDA), label effective 20260420.

Generic name
METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE
Manufacturer
Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Product type
HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG
Route
ORAL
Dosage form
N/A
NDC
50458-585
Application
NDA021121
Label effective
20260420

About this product

CONCERTA is an FDA-registered drug product whose active ingredient is METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE. It is labelled by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. taken by oral and marketed as a human prescription drug product. Identifiers on file: NDC 50458-585, application NDA021121, label effective 20260420. It is one of 27 FDA drug label records sharing the active ingredient METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE. This page reproduces the FDA-approved label text so you can check what a product is, who makes it and how it is supplied before discussing it with a pharmacist or prescriber.

What it is used for

Across FDA labelling, products containing METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE are most often described in connection with: treatment attention, deficit hyperactivity, disorder adhd, patients aged, years old, recommended pediatric, higher plasma, incidence adverse. Wording differs between labels, and the full indications section on this page takes precedence when it is present.

Indications & Usage

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE CONCERTA is indicated for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in patients aged 6 to 65 years old. Limitations of Use The use of CONCERTA 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) and Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ]. CONCERTA is a CNS stimulant indicated for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in patients aged 6 to 65 years old. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use The use of CONCERTA 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 & Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Prior to initiating CONCERTA treatment assess for ( 2.1 ): the presence of cardiac disease for family history of tics or Tourette' syndrome and clinically evaluate patients for motor or verbal tics or Tourette's syndrome Administer once daily in the morning with or without food. Swallow whole with liquids; do not chew, divide, or crush. ( 2.2 ) Recommended dosage in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years of age new to methylphenidate: starting dosage is18 mg once daily. May be increased weekly in 18 mg increments. Maximum dosage for pediatric patients ( 2.3 ): 6 to 12 years: 54 mg once daily 13 to 17 years: 72 mg once daily Recommended dosage in adults (up to 65 years of age) new to methylphenidate: starting dosage is 18 mg or 36 mg once daily. May be increased weekly in 18 mg increments, up to 72 mg once daily. ( 2.3 ) Patients currently using immediate-release methylphenidate: starting CONCERTA dosage is based on current dosage regimen. ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Pretreatment Screening Prior to treating patients with CONCERTA, assess: For the presence of cardiac disease (e.g., perform a careful history, family history of sudden death or ventricular arrhythmia, and physical exam) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. The family history for tics or Tourette' syndrome and clinically evaluate patients for motor or verbal tics or Tourette's syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ]. 2.2 Important Administration Instructions Administer CONCERTA orally once daily in the morning with or without food. Swallow CONCERTA whole with liquids. Do not split, crush, or chew the extended-release tablets because doing so will compromise the extended-release characteristics of CONCERTA and may compromise the effectiveness or safety of CONCERTA. 2.3 Recommended CONCERTA Dosage in Patients New to Methylphenidate See Table 1 for the recommended once-daily dosage of CONCERTA in patients who were not taking a methylphenidate product. In patients who have not achieved an optimal response at a lower dosage, increase the CONCERTA dosage in 18 mg increments at weekly intervals. However, if a slower titration is recommended for patients who have not achieved an optimal response taking 18 mg of CONCERTA once daily, increase their daily dosage to 27 mg once per day. Table 1: Recommended CONCERTA Dosage in Patients New to Methylphenidate Patient Population Recommended Starting Dosage Dosage Range Pediatric patients 6 to 12 years of age 18 mg once daily 18 mg to 54 mg once daily Pediatric patients 13 to 17 years of age 18 mg once daily 18 mg to 72 mg once daily (not to exceed 2 mg/kg/day) Adults 18 to 65 years of age 18 or 36 mg once daily 18 mg to 72 mg once daily 2.4 Recommended CONCERTA Dosage in Patients Switching from Another Methylphenidate Product See Table 2 for the recommended starting dosage of CONCERTA in patients switching from an immediate-release methylphenidate product administered twice daily or three times daily (total daily dosage of 10 to 60 mg/day). Table 2: Recommended Starting Dosage in Patients Switching from Another Methylphenidate Product Previous Immediate-release Methylphenidate Daily Dosage Recommended CONCERTA Starting Dosage 5 mg twice daily or three times daily 18 mg every morning 10 mg twice daily or three times daily 36 mg every morning 15 mg twice daily or three times daily 54 mg every morning 20 mg twice daily or three times daily 72 mg every morning Only for patients 13–65 years of age. In patients who have not achieved an optimal response at a lower dosage, increase the CONCERTA dosage in 18 mg increments at weekly intervals. The maximum recommended dosage in pediatric patients 6 to 12 years of age is 54 mg/day, and the maximum recommended dosage in patients 13–65 years old is 72 mg/day. 2.5 Dosage Reduction and Discontinuation If paradoxical aggravation of ADHD symptoms or CONCERTA-associated adverse reactions occur, reduce the CONCERTA dosage or, if necessary, discontinue CONCERTA. If ADHD improvement is not observed after appropriate dosage modification over a one-month period, discontinue CONCERTA.

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS CONCERTA is contraindicated in patients: Known to be hypersensitive to methylphenidate or other components of CONCERTA. Hypersensitivity reactions, such as angioedema and anaphylactic reactions, have been reported in patients treated with CONCERTA. [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] . Receiving concomitant monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and within 14 days following discontinuation of treatment with a MAO inhibitor because of the risk of a hypertensive crisis [see Drug Interactions (7) ] . Known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or other components of CONCERTA ( 4 ) Receiving concomitant monoamine oxidase inhibitors and within 14 days following discontinuation of treatment with a MAO inhibitor ( 4 )

Adverse Reactions

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) ] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Contraindications (4) ] Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors [see Contraindications (4) , Drug Interactions (7) ] 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) ] Risks of Gastrointestinal Obstruction in Patients with Gastrointestinal Narrowing [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Increased Intraocular Pressure and Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Motor and Verbal Tics, and Worsening of Tourette's Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) in double-blind clinical trials were: Pediatric patients 6 to 17 years: upper abdominal pain. ( 6.1 ) Adults up to 65 years of age: decreased appetite, headache, dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, weight decreased, irritability, tachycardia, and hyperhidrosis. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-JANSSEN (1-800-526-7736) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trial 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 clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The data below is based on a total of 3,906 patients in clinical studies who received CONCERTA. Patients aged 6 up to 65 years old with ADHD were evaluated in 6 controlled clinical studies and 11 open-label clinical studies [see Table 3 ]. Table 3: CONCERTA-treated Patients in Double-Blind and Open-Label Clinical Studies Patient Population N Dosage Range Pediatric patients 6 to 12 years of age 2,216 18 to 54 mg once daily Adolescents 502 18 to 72 mg once daily Adults up to 65 years of age 1,188 18 to 108 mg once daily The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) in double-blind clinical trials were: Pediatric patients: upper abdominal pain [see Table 4 ] . Adults: decreased appetite, headache, dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, weight decreased, irritability, tachycardia, and hyperhidrosis [see Table 5 ] . The most common adverse reactions associated with CONCERTA discontinuation (≥1%) from the pediatric and adult clinical trials were anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and increased blood pressure . Most Common Adverse Reactions in Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials: Adverse reactions in either the pediatric or adult double-blind adverse reactions tables may be relevant for both patient populations. Adverse Reactions in Pediatric Patients Aged 6 years and Older Table 4 displays adverse reactions reported in 2% or more of CONCERTA-treated pediatric patients ages 6 and older with ADHD in 4 placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trials. Table 4: Most Common Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥ 2% of CONCERTA-treated patients in Pediatric Patients 6 Years of Age and Older with ADHD in 4 Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trials CONCERTA (n=321) Placebo (n=318) Upper abdominal pain 6% 4% Insomnia Initial insomnia (CONCERTA=0.6%) and insomnia (CONCERTA=2.2%) terms were combined into Insomnia. 3% 1% Nasopharyngitis 3% 2% Vomiting 3% 2% Pyrexia 2% 1% Adverse Reactions in Adults Table 5 lists the adverse reactions reported in 2% or more of CONCERTA-treated adults with ADHD in 2 placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trials. Table 5: Most Common Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥ 2% of CONCERTA-treated patients in Adults with ADHD in 2 Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trials CONCERTA Included dosages up to 108 mg/day (1.5 times the maximum recommended dosage). (n=415) Placebo (n=212) Decreased appetite 25% 7% Headache 22% 16% Dry mouth 14% 4% Nausea 13% 3% Insomnia 12% 6% Anxiety 8% 2% Decreased weight 7% 3% Dizziness 7% 5% Irritability 6% 1% Tachycardia 5% 0% Hyperhidrosis 5% 1% Depressed mood 4% 1% Initial insomnia 4% 3% Restlessness 3% 0% Palpitations 3% 1% Nervousness 3% 1% Tremor 3% 1% Upper respiratory tract infection 2% 1% Agitation 2% 1% Dyspepsia 2% 1% Other Adverse Reactions Observed in Clinical Trials of CONCERTA The following adverse reactions occurred in less than 2% of CONCERTA-treated patients ages 6 to 65 years of age in the double-blind and open-label clinical ADHD trials. Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders : Leukopenia Cardiac Disorders : Cardiac murmur, Hypertension, Heart rate increased Ear and Labyrinth Disorders : Vertigo Eye Disorders : Accommodation disorder, Dry eye, Vision blurred Gastrointestinal Disorders : Abdominal discomfort/pain, Constipation, Diarrhea, Vomiting General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions : Asthenia, Fatigue, Feeling jittery, Thirst Hepatobiliary Disorders : Hepatic enzymes increased Infections and Infestations : Sinusitis Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders : Anorexia Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: Muscle spasms, Muscle tightness Nervous System Disorders : Lethargy, Paresthesia, Psychomotor hyperactivity, Sedation, Somnolence, Tension headache Psychiatric Disorders : Affect lability, Aggression, Anger, Bruxism, Confusional state, Depression, Hypervigilance, decreased libido, Mood swings, Panic attack, Sleep disorder, Tearfulness, Tension, Tic Reproductive System and Breast Disorders : Erectile dysfunction Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders : Cough, Dyspnea, Oropharyngeal pain Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders : Rash Vascular Disorders : Hot flush Discontinuation Due to Adverse Reactions In the 2 placebo-controlled studies in adults with ADHD, 25 (6%) CONCERTA-treated patients and 6 (3%) placebo-treated patients discontinued due to an adverse reaction. In the CONCERTA group, adverse reactions leading to discontinuation with an incidence of >0.5% were anxiety (1.7%), irritability (1.4%), increased blood pressure (1%), and nervousness (0.7%). In the placebo group, adverse reactions leading to discontinuation with an incidence of >0.5% were increased blood pressure (0.9%) and depressed mood (0.9%). In the 11 open-label studies in patients 6 to 65 years of age with ADHD, 266 (7%) CONCERTA-treated patients discontinued due to an adverse reaction including insomnia (1.2%), irritability (0.8%), anxiety (0.7%), decreased appetite (0.7%), and tic (0.6%). Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Increases In the 1-week treatment, controlled trials in pediatric patients 6 to 12 years of age with ADHD (Studies 1 and 2) [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] , both the CONCERTA once daily group and the methylphenidate three times daily group increased resting pulse by an average of 2 to 6 beats per minute (bpm) and increased the average systolic and diastolic blood pressure roughly 1 to 4 mm Hg during the day, relative to placebo. In the randomized withdrawal portion of the double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with pediatric patients 13 to 17 years of age with ADHD (Study 4) [see Clinical Studies (14.3) ] , mean increases from baseline in resting pulse rate were observed with CONCERTA and placebo at the end of the double-blind phase (5 and 3 beats/minute (bpm), respectively). At the end of four weeks of treatment, mean increases from baseline in blood pressure for CONCERTA and placebo-treated patients were 0.7 and 0.7 mm Hg (systolic) and 2.6 and 1.4 mm Hg (diastolic), respectively. In the 7-week dose-titration, placebo-controlled study in adults 18 to 65 years of age with ADHD (Study 5) [see Clinical Studies (14.4) ] , mean changes from baseline in resting pulse rate were 3.6 in CONCERTA-treated patients and -1.6 for placebo-treated patients after 7 weeks of treatment. Mean changes from baseline in blood pressure after 7 weeks of treatment in CONCERTA-treated and placebo-treated patients were –1.2 and –0.5 mm Hg (systolic) and 1.1 and 0.4 mm Hg (diastolic), respectively [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . In the 5-week fixed-dose, placebo-controlled trial in adults 18 to 65 years of age with ADHD (Study 5) [ see Clinical Studies (14.4) ] , dose-dependent mean increases of 3.9 to 9.8 bpm from baseline in standing pulse rate were observed with CONCERTA-treated patients and 2.7 bpm with placebo-treated patients at the end of 5 weeks. Mean changes from baseline in standing blood pressure after 5 weeks of treatment ranged from 0.1 to 2.2 mm Hg (systolic) and -0.7 to 2.2 mm Hg (diastolic) for CONCERTA-treated patients and 1.1 mm Hg (systolic) and -1.8 mm Hg (diastolic) for placebo-treated patients. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of CONCERTA. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency: Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders : Pancytopenia, Thrombocytopenia, Thrombocytopenic purpura Cardiac Disorders : Angina pectoris, Bradycardia, Supraventricular tachycardia, Ventricular extrasystoles Eye Disorders : Diplopia, Increased intraocular pressure, Mydriasis General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions : Chest pain, Drug effect decreased, Hyperpyrexia Hepatobiliary Disorders : Hepatocellular injury, Acute hepatic failure, Blood bilirubin increased Immune System Disorders : Hypersensitivity reactions such as Angioedema, Anaphylactic reactions, Auricular swelling, Exanthemas NEC Investigations : Blood alkaline phosphatase increased, Platelet count decreased, Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders : Arthralgia, Myalgia, Muscle twitching, Rhabdomyolysis Nervous System Disorders : Convulsion, Grand mal convulsion, Stroke in pediatric patients, Dyskinesia, Serotonin syndrome in combination with serotonergic drugs, Motor and Verbal Tics Psychiatric Disorders : Disorientation, Hallucination, Mania, Logorrhea Reproductive System and Breast Disorders : Priapism Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders : Alopecia, Bullous conditions, Erythema, Exfoliative conditions, Pruritus, Urticarias Vascular Disorders : Raynaud's phenomenon

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How products containing METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE compare

FDA lists 27 drug label records with METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE as the active ingredient. The most common dosage forms and the manufacturers with the most records are summarised below; strengths, pack sizes and inactive ingredients can still differ between apparently similar products.

Dosage formProductsManufacturerProducts
— — Golden State Medical Supply, Inc. 2
— — Lannett Company, Inc. 2
— — Lannett Company, LLC 2
— — Lupin Pharmaceuticals,Inc. 2
— — XLCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2

Recall and safety notices

4 FDA recall record(s) match this product name or manufacturer. A match means the firm or product name appears in the enforcement report; confirm lot numbers and dates against the official FDA notice before acting.

RecallProductFirmClassStatusReported
D-0217-2019 Ortho-Novum 1/35 (norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol) Tablets, 1 mg/0.035 mg, 28-Day Regimen per pouch (NDC 50458-176-28), 6 Veridate Tablet Dispensers and 6 refills per carton (NDC 50458-176-06), Rx only, Manufactured by: Janssen Ortho, LLC, Manati, Puerto Rico 00674; Manufactured for: Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Titusville, New Jersey 08560. Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Class II Terminated 20181114
D-0218-2019 Ortho-Novum 7/7/7 (norethindrone/ethinyl/estradiol) Tablets, 0.5 mg/0.035 mg, 0.75 mg/0.035 mg, 1 mg/0.035, 28-Day Regimen per pouch, packaged in a) 6 Veridate Tablet Dispensers and 6 Refill pouches (NDC 504-58-178-28) per carton (NDC 50458-178-06); and b) 12 Veridate Tablet Dispenser Refills (NDC 50458-178-12) per carton (NDC 50458-178-12), Clinic Package, , Rx Only, Manufactured by: Janssen Ortho, LLC, Manati, Puerto Rico 00674; Manufactured for: Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Titusville, New Jersey 08560. Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Class II Terminated 20181114
D-1063-2015 Ortho-Cept (0.15 mg desogestrel and 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol) tablets, 28- count blister (21 active tablets and 7 placebo tablets)/ 6 blister packs per carton. Rx only, Jointly Manufactured by: Janssen Ortho, LLC, Manati, Puerto Rico 00674 and NV Organon, Oss, The Netherlands, Manufactured for: Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Titusville, New Jersey 08560, New Jersey, NDC 50458-0196-15. Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Class II Terminated 20150520
D-1514-2014 Risperdal CONSTA (risperiDONE), 25 mg Dose Pack, Rx Only, Single Use Only Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc., Titusville, NJ 08560 NDC 50458-306-11 Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Class II Terminated 20140813

Frequently asked questions

What is CONCERTA used for?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE CONCERTA is indicated for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in patients aged 6 to 65 years old. Limitations of Use The use of CONCERTA 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 …

Who makes CONCERTA?
Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is the labeler of record for CONCERTA. 27 FDA label records share the active ingredient METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE, so generic and branded versions may come from different companies; the manufacturer named on your pack is the one that matters for any enquiry.

What form does CONCERTA come in?
administered by oral. Strengths and pack sizes vary by label, so compare the NDC on your pack with the identifier listed on this page.

Is CONCERTA prescription or over-the-counter?
The FDA label for this product is recorded as human prescription drug. Marketing status can differ between strengths and countries, so check the dispensing rules where you live.

Are there other products containing METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE?
Yes. 27 FDA drug label records list METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE as the active ingredient. Products with the same active ingredient can usually be substituted only when a prescriber or pharmacist confirms it is appropriate.

Has CONCERTA been recalled?
4 FDA recall record(s) match this product name or manufacturer. Review the recall and safety notices section on this page and confirm lot numbers against the official FDA enforcement report.

Where does this information come from?
All content is reproduced from FDA Structured Product Labelling data via openFDA. It is provided for identification and reference only and is not medical advice.

This page reproduces FDA Structured Product Labelling data for identification and reference. It is not medical advice, does not diagnose or treat any condition, and does not sell or price any medicine.