RITALIN LA vs RITALIN-SR

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 19, 2026·How we rate

Attribute	RITALIN LA	RITALIN-SR
Rating	68/100	70/100
Pharmacy pays	~$18.94 /30	~$18.94 /30
Type	RX	RX
Active ingredient	METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE	METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE
Manufacturer	Sandoz	Novartis
Dosage forms	Capsule, extended release	Tablet, extended release
Drug class	Central Nervous System Stimulant	Central Nervous System Stimulant
Boxed warning	Boxed warning	None
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

ritalin la ritalin-sr

Rating

68/100

70/100

Pharmacy pays

~$18.94 /30

Type

Active ingredient

METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE

Manufacturer

Sandoz

Novartis

Dosage forms

Capsule, extended release

Tablet, extended release

Drug class

Central Nervous System Stimulant

Boxed warning

None

Half-life

about 2.7 hours

Treats

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Depressive Disorder, Narcolepsy

Frequently asked questions

Which is better-rated, Ritalin La or Ritalin-SR?

By our independent rating, Ritalin-SR 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, Ritalin La or Ritalin-SR?

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 Ritalin La and Ritalin-SR?

Both Ritalin La and Ritalin-SR 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.