What it's used for
Methylphenidate extended-release capsules are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in pediatric patients aged 6 to 12 years. Their use is not recommended in children younger than 6 years old.
Source: U.S. FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA).
Typical dosing
The capsules are taken orally once daily in the morning and can be swallowed whole or sprinkled on applesauce. New patients typically start at 20 mg daily, with weekly increases up to a maximum recommended dose of 60 mg daily.
Dosing shown here is the general FDA-labeled range. Your prescribing clinician determines the exact dose, form, and schedule for you — this is not a substitute for medical advice.
Boxed warning / key safety info
Methylphenidate extended-release capsules have a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to addiction, overdose, and death.
Common side effects
Important risks and adverse events discussed include abuse, misuse, addiction, hypersensitivity, and hypertensive crisis when combined with certain medications.
Covered strengths on the Tab $0 list
Covered at $0 with an active Tab membership when filled at a participating pharmacy nationwide or through mail order. A licensed clinician must prescribe the medication.
Related medications
Other mental health & focus medications covered at $0 with an active Tab membership.
Methylphenidate dosage and administration
Take orally once daily in the morning, before breakfast. Swallow whole with the aid of liquids, or sprinkle contents onto a small amount of applesauce and give immediately. Do not crush or chew the capsule or capsule contents. (2.1) Recommended starting dose is 20 mg once daily. Dosage may be increased 10 mg to 20 mg at weekly intervals; do not exceed 60 mg per day. (2.2) 2.1 Pretreatment Screening Prior to treating patients with methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules, 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 (5.10) ] .
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Your prescribing clinician decides the exact dose, form and schedule for you — this is not medical advice.
Methylphenidate side effects
The following are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2, 9.3) ] Hypersensitivity to Methylphenidate and Other Component of Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules [see Contraindications (4) ] Hypertensive Crisis when Used Concomitantly with MAOIs [see Contraindications (4) and 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) ] 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 most common adverse reactions (≥ 5% and twice the rate of placebo) were anorexia and insomnia.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. This is not a complete list. Report side effects to your clinician, and seek care for anything severe or unexpected.
Methylphenidate drug interactions
Table 3 presents clinically important drug interactions with methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release. Table 3: Clinically Important Drug Interactions with Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of MAOIs and CNS stimulants, including methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release, 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 methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days after discontinuing MAOI treatment is contraindicated.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Tell your clinician and pharmacist about every medication, supplement and over-the-counter product you take.
Who should not take methylphenidate
Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules are contraindicated in patients with: known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or other component of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules. Angioedema has been reported in patients treated with methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules. Anaphylactic reactions have been reported in patients treated with other methylphenidate products [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 crisis [see Drug Interactions (7) ] . Methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules contain sucrose.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Whether this medication is appropriate for you is a clinical decision made by your prescribing clinician.
Common questions
Is methylphenidate covered at $0 with Tab?
Yes. Methylphenidate is on Tab's covered $0 generic list — every covered strength is $0 with an active membership, at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order.
Do I need insurance to get methylphenidate through Tab?
No. Tab is a membership, not insurance. Covered medications are $0 with an active membership whether or not you have a health plan.
What is the usual dose of methylphenidate?
Take orally once daily in the morning, before breakfast. Swallow whole with the aid of liquids, or sprinkle contents onto a small amount of applesauce and give immediately. Do not crush or chew the capsule or capsule contents. (2.1) Recommended starting dose is 20 mg once daily. Dosage may be increased 10 mg to 20 mg at weekly intervals; do not exceed 60 mg per day. (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15. Your clinician sets your dose.)
What are the side effects of methylphenidate?
The following are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2, 9.3) ] Hypersensitivity to Methylphenidate and Other Component of Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules [see Contraindications (4) ] Hypertensive Crisis when Used Concomitantly with MAOIs [see Contraindications (4) and 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) ] 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 most common adverse reactions (≥ 5% and twice the rate of placebo) were anorexia and insomnia. (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15.)
What interacts with methylphenidate?
Table 3 presents clinically important drug interactions with methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release. Table 3: Clinically Important Drug Interactions with Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of MAOIs and CNS stimulants, including methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release, can cause hypertensive crisis. (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15. Tell your clinician about every medication and supplement you take.)
Methylphenidate is $0 on the covered list
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