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 hyperactivity disorder) in children

Examples of methylphenidate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The majority of them (88%) were prescribed methylphenidate by their doctors. — Anuradha Varanasi, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025

This finding matches with prior research, carried out in lab mice and rats, which has found that long-term methylphenidate treatment in juvenile animals normalizes some abnormalities in dopamine-rich brain regions. — David Cox, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2026

Stimulant drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) that are designed to improve attention are first-line treatments for ADHD. — New Atlas, 14 Apr. 2025

Caffeine While stimulant medications like Ritalin (methylphenidate) are used to treat ADHD, the research results on caffeine as a stimulant option are mixed. — Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

methyl + phenyl + piperidine + acetate

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for methylphenidate

• borosilicate
• decontaminate
• deoxycholate
• deteriorate
• differentiate
• diisocyanate
• dinoflagellate
• excommunicate
• incapacitate
• insubordinate
• intercorporate
• interpenetrate

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 hyperactivity disorder

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