Delmosart (methylphenidate)
Methylphenidate hydrochloride (prolonged-release)
Delmosart is a once-daily methylphenidate tablet for ADHD. It is listed by the NHS as a match for Concerta XL. This guide explains its duration, doses, side effects and changing brands safely.
Written and clinically reviewed by Adam OdusholaADHD Advanced Practitioner and Clinical Prescribing Pharmacist
Delmosart: key facts
- What it is
- Delmosart is a once-daily modified-release tablet containing methylphenidate: a stimulant that keeps dopamine and noradrenaline available longer in the brain areas that regulate focus, motivation, and impulse control.
- How it's released
- Prolonged-release tablet: about 25% of the dose releases in the first 1–2 hours; the remaining 75% is released gradually from the tablet core over the following hours.
- Duration
- Up to 12 hours from a single morning dose.
- How to take it
- Swallow whole with water. With or without food. Do not crush, break, chew, or cut the tablet.
- Available strengths
- 18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg, 54 mg tablets. Maximum daily dose: 54 mg (children); 72 mg (adults).
- Bioequivalence
- Bioequivalent to Concerta XL (the reference product) and on the NHS list of equivalent tablets. Same 12-hour coverage and ascending release pattern.
What is Delmosart?
Delmosart is a 12-hour methylphenidate tablet that is bioequivalent to Concerta XL and on the same NHS list of equivalent tablets. It must be prescribed and dispensed by brand name.
Delmosart at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Methylphenidate hydrochlorideSource: Delmosart SmPC (Accord-UK, revised October 2025) |
| Formulation | Prolonged-release tablet (Accord-UK)Source: Delmosart SmPC (Accord-UK, revised October 2025) |
| Release pattern | 25% in the first 1–2 hours; 75% released gradually from the tablet core. Bioequivalent to Concerta XLSource: NHS list of equivalent brands |
| Strengths | 18, 27, 36 and 54 mg tabletsSource: Delmosart SmPC (Accord-UK, revised October 2025) |
| Usual starting dose | 18 mg once each morning, increased in 18 mg steps no faster than weekly: the same as Concerta XLSource: Delmosart SmPC (Accord-UK, revised October 2025) |
| Maximum dose | 54 mg a day (children); 72 mg a day (adults): the same as Concerta XLSource: Delmosart SmPC (Accord-UK, revised October 2025) |
| How long it lasts | Up to 12 hoursSource: NHS list of equivalent brands |
| Food | With or without foodSource: Delmosart SmPC (Accord-UK, revised October 2025) |
| How to take it | Swallow whole. Do not crush, break, chew or cutSource: Delmosart SmPC (Accord-UK, revised October 2025) |
| Bioequivalent brands | Affenid XL, Atenza XL, Concerta XL, Matoride XL, Xaggitin XL, Xenidate XL (Matoride XL: children and young people only)Source: NHS list of equivalent brands |
| Controlled drug | Schedule 2Source: BNF: methylphenidate hydrochloride |
Medication class
Delmosart is a 12-hour prolonged-release methylphenidate tablet that is bioequivalent to Concerta XL (the reference product) and on the NHS list of equivalent tablets. Its 25:75 split gives the same ascending release across the day from a single morning dose. Methylphenidate modified-release products must be prescribed and dispensed by brand name (MHRA guidance). Even within the bioequivalence group, do not switch brands without clinical guidance.
When it's prescribed
Prescribed for ADHD in children aged 6 and over and adults, per NICE NG87. Must be prescribed and dispensed by brand name (MHRA guidance).
Pros of Delmosart
- 12-hour duration: full working-day coverage from a single morning dose
- No known interaction with acid-reducing medicines such as omeprazole or lansoprazole, or with antacids
- No food requirement
- Part of the largest UK bioequivalence group: supply disruption management options available
Cons of Delmosart
- Tablet must be swallowed whole: no crushing, cutting, or opening
- The effect builds gradually through the morning rather than peaking early
- Contains lactose: tell your prescriber if you cannot tolerate lactose
How does Delmosart work?
Part of the dose releases in the first 1–2 hours, and the rest releases gradually over the following hours. The tablet must stay intact for this to work.
Methylphenidate blocks the brain's recycling transporters for dopamine and noradrenaline: keeping them active longer in the synapse. This helps with attention, motivation, and impulse control in ADHD.
Delmosart is a prolonged-release tablet that is bioequivalent to Concerta XL. The film coat releases about 25% of the dose in the first 1–2 hours, then the tablet core releases the remaining 75% gradually over the following hours: maintaining therapeutic plasma levels for up to 12 hours.
The tablet must remain intact for the release mechanism to work correctly. Crushing or breaking it releases the full dose at once. You can take Delmosart with acid-reducing medicines such as omeprazole or lansoprazole, and with antacids. None of them is known to affect it.
How Delmosart works: visual guide
Follow the methylphenidate in Delmosart from tablet to effect. Use ADHDnotepad's animated visual medication journey to see how methylphenidate keeps dopamine and noradrenaline active for longer by blocking their reuptake transporters. Delmosart is a prolonged-release tablet bioequivalent to Concerta XL, so this effect is released gradually.
ClinicalDeeper clinical detail
How do I take Delmosart?
Take your prescribed dose once each morning, before 9am, with or without food. Swallow each tablet whole: do not crush, break, chew or cut it.
Interactive Delmosart duration & effect chart
Check how Delmosart may fit around your day. Use ADHDnotepad's interactive Delmosart effect chart to drag the dose time and adjust strength and explore how its prolonged-release profile may shape when effects kick in, hold and wear off across up to about 12 hours. The chart is illustrative, as actual onset and duration vary between people.
When to take it
Once in the morning. Up to 12 hours' duration: take before 9am to avoid it being active at bedtime.
With or without food
Either is fine.
Swallow whole
Take with a full glass of water. Do not crush, break, chew, or cut the tablet. The prolonged-release mechanism only works as an intact tablet.
Missed dose
If still morning, take as soon as you remember. If mid-afternoon, skip it. Never double up.
Alcohol
Avoid entirely. Risk of dose-dumping and ethylphenidate formation.
ClinicalPrescribing and clinical detail
What should I expect from Delmosart week by week?
Appetite dips and mild headaches are common in week 1 and mostly settle by week 2. Your prescriber increases the dose gradually, and most people are settled on their dose within 4–8 weeks.
Adjustment
Appetite dips (especially afternoons); mild headache (drinking enough water may help); possibly feeling more alert. Most settle by week 2.
Settling in
Most early side effects reduce. Coverage builds gradually: some people notice the effect strengthens through the morning. This is how prolonged-release tablets are designed to work.
Optimising
Titration in 18 mg increments. The goal is the lowest dose that manages symptoms well for long enough, with the fewest side effects.
Maintenance
Reviews every 6 months. BP, HR, and weight checked at each visit.
What are the side effects of Delmosart?
Reduced appetite, difficulty sleeping if taken late, mild headache and a faster heartbeat are the most common early effects. Most ease in the first few weeks.
All expanded by default: tap a category to collapse it. Most of these ease in the first 1–2 weeks.
Reduced appetite; weight loss (long-term)
Common (reported more often in adults)Weight is monitored at every review.
What helps
- Eat breakfast before or with your dose, before your appetite drops.
- Appetite usually returns in the evening: plan your main meal for then.
- If you can, prepare it earlier in the day, while the medicine is working.
- Balanced ready-to-heat meals (freshly made, not processed microwave meals) save the planning that stops many people eating.
Difficulty sleeping if taken late
Very commonWhat helps
- Take before 9am.
- Cut down on caffeine, especially after midday: it often makes stimulant side effects worse.
- The interactive Delmosart duration & effect chart shows how a change of timing affects when it wears off.
- Tell your prescriberStill disrupted at 4 weeks: discuss with your prescriber.
Increased heart rate and blood pressure; palpitations
CommonModest increases are expected and monitored at every review.
Brief awareness of your heartbeat is usually normal in the first few weeks.
What helps
- Cut down on caffeine and avoid cold and flu remedies that contain a decongestant.
- Keep salt and alcohol down, and keep up regular moderate exercise.
- Tell your prescriberTell your prescriber within a few days if your resting pulse stays above 100. The same if your blood pressure stays at 140/90 or higher (135/85 at home).
- Get help todayA reading of 180/120 or higher after 5 minutes' rest, or a resting pulse above 120: contact your prescriber or 111 today.
- Tell your prescriberContact your prescriber if it's sustained or comes with dizziness.
Anxiety, irritability, low mood
CommonWhat helps
- Note when it happens: as the dose is kicking in, while it is working, or as it wears off.
- Tell your prescriberTell your prescriber if persistent.
Suicidal thoughts
Uncommon- Get help todayContact prescriber or crisis support immediately.
- Call 999If you feel you might act on these thoughts, or you have harmed yourself, call 999 or go to A&E.
Psychosis symptoms; mania
Uncommon/Rare- Get help todayStop and seek urgent review.
Headache
Very commonUsually settles by week 2.
What helps
- Drink more water.
Dizziness, tremor
Common (dizziness); uncommon (tremor)What helps
- Don't drive while dizzy.
Tics
Common (worsening of existing tics is uncommon)- Tell your prescriberContact your prescriber.
Nausea, dry mouth, sweating, hair thinning, teeth grinding
CommonNausea is most common in the first weeks.
What helps
- Taking your dose with or after food may help.
- Drinking enough water and eating regular, smaller meals may help.
- For a dry mouth, sip water and use sugar-free gum or mints.
- Tell your prescriberMention it at your review if it bothers you or is severe.
- Tell your prescriberMention the others at your next review if troublesome.
Priapism (painful erection more than 2 hours)
Frequency not known: medical emergency- Call 999Attend A&E immediately.
This is the full list for this guide, including uncommon and rare effects. For step-by-step tips on managing the common ones, and when to speak to your prescriber, see Delmosart side effects: what helps.
When should I get help while taking Delmosart?
Call 999 for severe or spreading chest pain, severe breathlessness, signs of a stroke, a seizure or a suspected overdose. Call 999 too for a severe allergic reaction: sudden swelling of the lips, mouth or throat, or difficulty breathing. Contact your prescriber or 111 today for mild chest pain, a resting heart rate above 120, fainting, hallucinations or thoughts of self-harm (call 999 if you might act on them). Most other early effects can wait for your next review.
Emergency: call 999 or go to A&E
- Severe chest pain, or chest pain spreading to your arm, jaw or back
- Severe shortness of breath or struggling to breathe
- Suspected stroke (FAST)
- Seizures; loss of consciousness; suspected overdose
- Priapism (a painful erection lasting more than 2 hours): go to A&E straight away
- Thoughts of harming yourself or someone else that you feel you might act on, or you have harmed yourself
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or difficulty breathing or swallowing. Call 999.
Expected: mention at next review
Common in the first few weeks: no action usually needed
- Mild appetite reduction
- Mild headache weeks 1–2
- Dry mouth
- Mild sleep difficulty
- Mild irritability improving
Contact your prescriber within a few days
Not urgent: but worth discussing if ongoing
- Resting HR >100 bpm
- BP persistently raised
- Headaches beyond 2 weeks
- Mood not settling at 4 weeks
- Sleep severely disrupted beyond 4 weeks
- Significant weight loss
- Tics
- Blurred vision; Raynaud's
Contact prescriber or 111 today
Do not wait for a routine appointment
- Mild chest pain or chest tightness
- Resting HR >120 bpm
- Fainting
- Suicidal thoughts
- Hallucinations/psychosis
- New mania
- A new rash, without swelling or breathing problems
- Signs of very high blood pressure (severe headache, vision changes, confusion)
What you can safely try while waiting for a review
- Headache: drink more water; avoid caffeine after midday
- Appetite: eat breakfast before your dose; keep nutritious snacks for the evening
- Sleep: take your dose 30 minutes earlier; avoid screens after 10pm
- Anxiety: track whether worse on dose days vs off days: helps your prescriber
- Dry mouth: sugar-free gum; frequent small sips of water
Frequently asked questions about Delmosart
How is Delmosart different from Concerta XL?
Both are 12-hour prolonged-release tablets with the same clinical effect. Delmosart is bioequivalent to Concerta XL, and both are on the same NHS list of equivalent tablets. The manufacturers differ. Your prescriber or pharmacist may have chosen Delmosart for availability or formulary reasons.
My pharmacy gave me a different brand. Is that okay?
Not without speaking to your prescriber first. Even though Delmosart is part of the tablet bioequivalence group, do not simply accept a different brand: confirm with your prescriber first.
Does it interact with omeprazole or antacids?
No: Delmosart is not known to interact with acid-reducing medicines such as omeprazole, or with antacids.
Can I drink alcohol?
Avoid entirely: risk of dose-dumping and ethylphenidate formation.
I'm pregnant or breastfeeding: what do I need to know?
Pregnancy: Speak to your prescriber before making any changes, and do not stop without advice. The current evidence is summarised in the BUMPS leaflet on methylphenidate in pregnancy.
Breastfeeding: Methylphenidate is the stimulant of choice during breastfeeding (Breastfeeding Network). Milk levels are very low. You do not need to stop breastfeeding. Monitor your baby.
What should I ask my prescriber about Delmosart?
Questions worth raising at your next review. You don't need to cover all of them: pick the ones that feel most relevant.
- Why Delmosart: rather than Concerta XL or another brand?
- What dose are we starting at, and what is the maximum?
- What if my pharmacy can't get Delmosart?
- Which side effects should I call you about?
- If Delmosart doesn't work well enough, what would we try next?
Delmosart: notes for GPs and clinicians
Clinical notes by Adam Odushola, ADHD Advanced Practitioner and Clinical Prescribing Pharmacist.
ClinicalBrand and mechanism
Delmosart (Accord-UK; SmPC revised 13 October 2025): prolonged-release tablet; 25:75 IR:MR (SPS Table 1, August 2025); film coat then gradual release from the tablet core; peak 6 to 8 h; ascending 12h profile. SmPC lists no interaction with PPIs, H2-blockers or antacids. No food requirement. Contains lactose. The SmPC lists the same excipients and the same release description as Xaggitin XL (both first authorised July 2016). Bioequivalent to Concerta XL per SPS.
ClinicalStrengths, Dosing and Immediate Release Conversion
18, 27, 36 and 54 mg. Start 18 mg once daily in patients new to methylphenidate; adjust in 18 mg steps at approximately weekly intervals (27 mg allows an in-between step). Maximum 54 mg/day in children and 72 mg/day in adults (SmPC).
Switching from immediate-release methylphenidate
| Immediate-release dose | Total daily dose | Delmosart once each morning |
|---|---|---|
| 5 mg three times a day | 15 mg | 18 mg |
| 10 mg three times a day | 30 mg | 36 mg |
| 15 mg three times a day | 45 mg | 54 mg |
| 20 mg three times a day | 60 mg | 72 mg (adults only) |
Doses from the SmPC (Table 1), for patients taking IR three times a day at 15 to 60 mg a day.
ClinicalBioequivalence group (SPS August 2025)
Affenid XL, Atenza XL, Concerta XL, Delmosart, Matoride XL, Xaggitin XL, Xenidate XL: interchangeable within group at same dose/quantity during supply disruption. Matoride XL SmPC: licensed for children aged 6 and over; adult initiation is not appropriate (continuation from adolescence only). See the SPS list of equivalent MR tablets.
ClinicalAdult licensing and monitoring
SmPC indication covers children aged 6 and over and adults; maximum 72 mg/day in adults (SmPC 4.2). Adults new to methylphenidate: cardiology advice before initiation where national practice requires it (SmPC 4.2). Under specialist direction per NICE NG87. BP and HR at baseline, dose changes, minimum every 6 months. Weight each review.
ClinicalKey interactions
MAOIs (contraindicated, 14-day washout); alcohol (SmPC 4.5: in vitro, alcohol above 10% increases cumulative release; advise abstinence; ethylphenidate formation); antihypertensives (reduced efficacy); coumarin anticoagulants, some anticonvulsants, tricyclics and SSRIs (methylphenidate may inhibit their metabolism; monitor and adjust).
This guide is written for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your prescriber or pharmacist. If you have concerns about your medication, contact your clinical team.
Sources
- NICE guideline NG87: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management. NICE
- Methylphenidate hydrochloride (BNF drug monograph). BNF, NICE
- Delmosart 36 mg prolonged-release tablets: Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC), revised 13 October 2025. Accord-UK (manufacturer)
- Prescribing and switching between modified-release methylphenidate. Specialist Pharmacy Service (SPS)
- Use of methylphenidate in pregnancy (patient leaflet). BUMPS / UK Teratology Information Service
- ADHD and breastfeeding (factsheet). The Breastfeeding Network
About this guide
- Written and clinically reviewed by
- Adam OdusholaADHD Advanced Practitioner and Clinical Prescribing Pharmacist
- First published
- Last updated
- Last reviewed
- Next review
- What changed
- October 2026: noted that Matoride XL, one of the bioequivalent tablets, is licensed for children and young people only. Also clearer advice on when to call 999 (severe or spreading chest pain, severe breathlessness, or thoughts of self-harm you might act on) and when to get help the same day. Side effect frequencies now use the categories in the product information (SmPC). The headache advice now says drinking enough water may help, instead of naming dehydration as the cause. The Cons no longer compare the first peak with capsule brands.
“Last updated” is when the content last changed. “Last reviewed” is when it was last checked against current sources.
How this content is written, sourced and checked: editorial policy
Spotted an error? Report it by email. This is for website feedback only. It can’t give advice about your own treatment.
Changing from Delmosart? Check the dose conversion
See how your dose lines up with immediate-release methylphenidate or another brand, and how the day’s doses would be spaced. It is a guide for the conversation with your prescriber, not a prescription.
15 mg a day of immediate-release methylphenidate, for example 5 mg three times a day
Delmosart 18 mg is listed against a total of 15 mg a day of immediate-release methylphenidate, taken three times a day, in the manufacturer’s conversion table. Each immediate-release dose lasts about 3 to 5 hours, so the day’s cover changes.
- Immediate-release doses are spaced through the day; the last one is usually taken by mid-afternoon to protect sleep.
- This is a guide for the conversation with your prescriber, not a prescription. Your prescriber sets the dose, the start date and the review.
Doses from each product’s manufacturer conversion table and the NHS list of equivalent brands. Read more about switching methylphenidate brands safely.