FOCALIN vs FOCALIN XR

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated October 9, 2026·How we rate

Attribute	FOCALIN	FOCALIN XR
Rating	68/100	66/100
Pharmacy pays	~$46.34 /30	~$46.34 /30
Type	RX	RX
Active ingredient	DEXMETHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE	DEXMETHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE
Manufacturer	Sandoz	Sandoz
Dosage forms	Tablet	Capsule, extended release
Drug class	Central Nervous System Stimulant	Central Nervous System Stimulant
Boxed warning	Boxed warning	Boxed warning
Treats	Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity	Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

focalin focalin xr

Rating

68/100

66/100

Pharmacy pays

~$46.34 /30

Type

Active ingredient

DEXMETHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE

Manufacturer

Sandoz

Dosage forms

Tablet

Capsule, extended release

Drug class

Central Nervous System Stimulant

Boxed warning

Treats

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

Frequently asked questions

Which is better-rated, Focalin or Focalin XR?

By our independent rating, Focalin scores higher — 3.4 vs 3.3 out of 5 for Focalin XR. Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data.

Which is cheaper, Focalin or Focalin XR?

Pharmacies pay about the same to acquire either one — roughly $46.34 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 Focalin and Focalin XR?

Both Focalin and Focalin XR share the active ingredient Dexmethylphenidate 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.