ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/methylphenidate
US brand names:Ritalin, Concerta
Methylphenidate is dosed at 0.5–2 mg/kg PO q12h in dogs, per Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Blocks dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake transporters increasing catecholamine levels in CNS. Paradoxical calming in ADHD-like conditions.
DEA Schedule II. Very limited veterinary use. Investigated for narcolepsy and hyperkinesis in dogs. Tachycardia, hypertension, anorexia. Abuse potential.
Species references:All Dog (Domestic) drugs
Controlled substance in the US
Controlled-drug status and schedules differ by country — check your local scheduling rules.
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 1 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 0.5–2 mg/kg | q12h | Weak | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.