CONCERTA vs RITALIN LA

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 22, 2026·How we rate

Attribute	CONCERTA	RITALIN LA
Rating	70/100	68/100
Pharmacy pays	~$18.94 /30	~$18.94 /30
Type	RX	RX
Active ingredient	METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE	METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE
Manufacturer	Janssen Pharms	Sandoz
Dosage forms	Tablet, extended release	Capsule, extended release
Drug class	Central Nervous System Stimulant	Central Nervous System Stimulant
Boxed warning	Boxed warning	Boxed warning
Half-life	about 2.7 hours	about 2.7 hours
Treats	Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Depressive Disorder, Narcolepsy	Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Depressive Disorder, Narcolepsy

concerta ritalin la

Rating

70/100

68/100

Pharmacy pays

~$18.94 /30

Type

Active ingredient

METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE

Manufacturer

Janssen Pharms

Sandoz

Dosage forms

Tablet, extended release

Capsule, extended release

Drug class

Central Nervous System Stimulant

Boxed warning

Half-life

about 2.7 hours

Treats

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Depressive Disorder, Narcolepsy

Frequently asked questions

Which is better-rated, Concerta or Ritalin La?

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

Which is cheaper, Concerta or Ritalin La?

Pharmacies pay about the same to acquire either one — roughly $18.94 for a 30-count supply, per the CMS NADAC survey. That is not what you will be charged: your price is set by your insurer and the pharmacy, not by what the drug cost them.

What is the difference between Concerta and Ritalin La?

Both Concerta and Ritalin La share the active ingredient Methylphenidate Hydrochloride.

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.