Description
Ritalin LA® (methylphenidate hydrochloride) extended-release capsules is an extended-release formulation of methylphenidate with a bi-modal release profile. Ritalin LA® uses the proprietary SODAS® (Spheroidal Oral Drug Absorption System) technology. Each bead-filled Ritalin LA capsule contains half the dose as immediate-release beads and half as enteric-coated, delayed-release beads, thus providing an immediate release of methylphenidate and a second delayed release of methylphenidate. Ritalin LA 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg capsules provide in a single dose the same amount of methylphenidate as dosages of 5, 10, 15, or 20 mg of Ritalin® tablets given b.i.d.
The active substance in Ritalin LA is methyl α-phenyl-2-piperidineacetate hydrochloride.