Alpharma unit joins roster of generic Ritalin makers

Drug Store News, March 4, 2002

Alpharma indicated that its subsidiary Purepac Pharmaceuticals has received FDA approval to produce and market methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets in 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg forms. They will be sold under the Purepac label.

Methylphenidate hydrochloride is the generic equivalent of the Novartis brand name drug Ritalin, which is targeted for the treatment of attention deficit disorder and narcolepsy.

Alpharma's Purepac subsidiary received FDA approval to make and market methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets in 10 mg and 20 mg strengths in December 2001.

Mallinckrodt was the first to receive FDA approval to market generic Ritalin in 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg tablets in November 1998. Other producers include Able Laboratories and Danbury Pharmaceuticals. Sales of Ritalin brand tablets, according to Alpharma's, were $48 million in 2001.