Skip to content
ppharmaranks
Menu
CompaniesProductsDrug classesConditionsBest by conditionTreatmentsInteraction checkerFood & medicinesWhat pharmacies payPill identifierMedicines & breastfeedingChildren’s dosage chartsDo medicines expire?Crushing & splitting pillsHow long meds take to workAlternating Tylenol & ibuprofenDrug recallsSupplementsSafety & lawsuitsGuidesA–ZHow we rate

CONCERTA vs FOCALIN

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 20, 2026·How we rate

Possible drug interaction. CONCERTA and FOCALIN are different prescription medicines. Combining or switching between them can cause interactions — talk to a pharmacist or prescriber before making changes. This page is not medical advice.

concertafocalin

Rating

70/100
68/100

Pharmacy pays

~$18.94 /30
~$46.03 /30

Type

RX
RX

Active ingredient

METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE
DEXMETHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE

Manufacturer

Janssen Pharms
Sandoz

Dosage forms

Tablet, extended release
Tablet

Drug class

Central Nervous System Stimulant
Central Nervous System Stimulant

Boxed warning

Boxed warning
Boxed warning

Half-life

about 2.7 hours
—

Treats

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Depressive Disorder, Narcolepsy
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

Frequently asked questions

Which is better-rated, Concerta or Focalin?

By our independent rating, Concerta scores higher — 3.5 vs 3.4 out of 5 for Focalin. Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data.

Which is cheaper, Concerta or Focalin?

Concerta costs pharmacies less to acquire — about $18.94 vs $46.03 for a 30-count supply, per the CMS NADAC survey. That gap is in the pharmacy's cost of goods, not necessarily in what you pay: your price is set afterwards by your insurer and the pharmacy.

What is the difference between Concerta and Focalin?

Concerta contains Methylphenidate Hydrochloride, while Focalin contains Dexmethylphenidate Hydrochloride — they have different active ingredients.

Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data. This comparison is for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional before choosing or switching a medication.