methylphenidate

noun

meth·​yl·​phe·​ni·​date ˌme-thəl-ˈfe-nə-ˌdāt 

-ˈfē-

: a mild stimulant C₁₄H₁₉NO₂ of the central nervous system used in the form of its hydrochloride to treat narcolepsy and hyperactivity disorders (such as attention deficit disorder) in children

Examples of methylphenidate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One study found that treating children with ADHD with methylphenidate reduced their risk of burn injuries by 57%. —Kate Harrington, The Conversation, 25 July 2024

And, one to two weeks apart from the psilocybin dose, participants received a dose of methylphenidate, the generic form of Ritalin, which served as a control. —Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 July 2024

Each person ingested either 25 milligrams of pharmaceutical-grade psilocybin or a 40 milligram dose of methylphenidate, a stimulant often prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 17 July 2024

Stimulant Medications Stimulant medications include amphetamines, such as Adderall, and methylphenidates. —Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

methyl + phenyl + piperidine + acetate

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

methylphenidate

noun

meth·​yl·​phe·​ni·​date ˌmeth-əl-ˈfen-ə-ˌdāt  -ˈfē-nə- 

: a mild stimulant of the central nervous system that is administered orally in the form of its hydrochloride C₁₄H₁₉NO₂·HCl to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit disorder

Note: Trademarks for methylphenidate include Concerta, Quillivant, and Ritalin.