Methylphenidate is used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by stimulating the brain to increase attention, concentration, reduce impulsive and hyperactiv behaviour and manage certain sleep disorders.

Methylphenidate is available as an immediate-release preparation or modified-release preparations. 

The immediate-release preparation releases the medication relatively quickly in the body and the effects wear-off over a few hours.

Modified-release preparations mean that the medication is released slowly during the day, for a longer duration of effect. These preparations have the letters 'LA' (long-acting), 'SR' (sustained-release), 'MR' (modified-release) or 'ER' (extended-release) after the brand name, and may differ in their duration of effects.

• Methylphenidate Tablet (Ritalin®, Rubifen®)
  
• Methylphenidate LA Capsule (Ritalin® LA)
  
• Methylphenidate SR Capsule (Ritalin® SR)
  
• Methylphenidate MR Capsule (Medikinet® MR)
  
• Methylphenidate ER Tablet (Concerta® ER)