Concerta is the brand name for methylphenidate, a stimulant used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. ADHD is a psychological disorder characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Concerta has sustained release, and as such is taken once daily. It is intended to be taken first thing in the morning because if taken later in the day, it can sleep difficulties.
Methylphenidate
Concerta contains the active ingredient methylphenidate, which is a stimulant that increases dopamine in the brain. Methlyphenidate is a controlled substance due to its addictive properties, and is also considered a class C drug, which means if possible, it should not be given to pregnant women. Concerta comes in four doses of methyphenidate: 18, 27, 36, or 54 mg pills.
Inactive Components
Concerta contains inactive chemicals: cellulose acetate, butylated hydroxytoluene, carnauba wax, lactose, povidone, hypromellose, phosphoric acid, poloxamer, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxides, propylene glycol, sodium chloride, stearic acid, titanium dioxide, succinic acid, synthetic iron oxides, and triacetin.
Osmotic Pressure System
Concerta is an extended release form of methylphenidate due to an osmotic pressure delivery system. Concerta contains several layers: The first layer provides an immediate release of methylphenidate. The second layer is a semipermeable membrane. Underneath that layer is the trilayer core. The trilayer core consists of two layers of methylphenidate, and a push layer, which contains the osmotically active components.
When Concerta is ingested, the first layer, the immediate methylphenidate dose, is dissolved within one hour. Water passes through the second layer, the membrane, and then reaches the core. The trilayer core is osmotically regulated so that methylphenidate is continually released for six to seven hours. This is done by the membrane only letting a certain amount of water in per hour.
