Hi 1greatmomof2.......Ritalin, Concerta and Metadate are the same except that they have different formulations as they have a different delivery system. Please read below as perhaps this will give you a better understanding:
CONCERTA (methylphenidate HCl) CII is an extended-release formulation of methylphenidate for ADHD treatment that lasts through 12 hours, with just one morning dose.
CONCERTA uses an advanced OROS® extended-release delivery system to deliver a controlled rate of medication throughout the day. The OROS trilayer tablet is designed to release the medication in CONCERTA in a smoothly delivered pattern leading to improved attention and behavior through 12 hours. Because of this unique delivery system, CONCERTA minimizes the ups and downs in blood levels experienced with stimulant medications taken several times a day. Research confirms that a single dose of CONCERTA is as effective as the standard three-times-a-day dosing regimen of methylphenidate, the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD.
CONCERTA also eliminates the need for dosing in and out of school or work, since it is taken once in the morning (with or without food). This is especially important for patients who participate in academic, job-related, or social activities outside of school or work, as it may help to eliminate the feelings of embarrassment felt by having to take medication in the middle of the school or work day or during after-school activities. And, once-a-day dosing means the medication is kept in the home and in the hands of parents.
Ritalin®, Ritalin-SR®, Ritalin® LA
Ritalin is available in several forms: Ritalin (methylphenidate HCl) CII, Ritalin-SR (methylphenidate hydrochloride sustained release tablets USP) CII, and Ritalin LA (methylphenidate hydrochloride extended release capsules) CII.
Ritalin is given 2 to 3 times daily with an average duration of 3 to 4 hours after each dosage. Ritalin-SR aMetadate® CD
Metadate CD (methylphenidate HCl, USP) CII is a once-a-day treatment for ADHD. Metadate CD is taken by mouth, once each day in the morning, before breakfast.
To achieve school-day-long effectiveness, Metadate CD Capsules contain a bead-delivery system, which uses 2 different types of beads. The drug from the rapid-release beads reaches the bloodstream quickly. The continuous-release beads are designed to dissolve more slowly and to deliver drug during the school daynd Ritalin LA are generally given once a day and have a duration of action of approximately 8 hours.