Comprehensive medication guide to Daytrana including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
Insurance coverage for Daytrana is no longer applicable since the drug has been discontinued by its manufacturer, Noven Pharmaceuticals.
Estimated Cash Pricing
Daytrana previously cost $350 to $500 for a 30-patch supply, but it has been discontinued and is no longer available at pharmacies.
Medfinder Findability Score
25/100
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Daytrana is a transdermal patch that delivers Methylphenidate through the skin to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in patients aged 6 to 17. It was the only FDA-approved methylphenidate patch, offering an alternative for children who had difficulty swallowing pills or who experienced gastrointestinal side effects from oral formulations. The patch was applied to the hip area two hours before the desired effect and worn for up to nine hours before removal. Daytrana was manufactured by Noven Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical, but has since been discontinued.
Daytrana works by blocking the reuptake of two key neurotransmitters — norepinephrine and dopamine — into presynaptic neurons. This increases the concentration of these chemicals in the synaptic cleft, improving focus, attention, and impulse control. What made Daytrana unique was its transdermal delivery system: the medication was absorbed steadily through the skin over the course of 9 hours, providing consistent blood levels without the peaks and valleys sometimes seen with oral formulations.
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10 mg/9 hr (27.5 mg patch) — patch
15 mg/9 hr (41.3 mg patch) — patch
20 mg/9 hr (55 mg patch) — patch
30 mg/9 hr (82.5 mg patch) — patch
Daytrana scores a 25 out of 100 on our findability scale, meaning it is essentially impossible to find. Noven Pharmaceuticals has discontinued production of Daytrana, and no generic version of the methylphenidate transdermal patch has ever been approved. The FDA drug shortage database previously listed Daytrana, and as of 2026, no manufacturer is producing it. Patients who relied on Daytrana will need to work with their prescriber to transition to an oral methylphenidate alternative such as Concerta, Ritalin LA, or Quillivant XR.
As a Schedule II controlled substance, Daytrana required a prescription from a licensed provider. The specialists who most commonly prescribed it included:
Since Daytrana is no longer available, prescribers now direct patients to oral Methylphenidate alternatives such as Concerta, Ritalin LA, or Quillivant XR.
Yes. Daytrana is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the DEA due to its active ingredient, Methylphenidate, which carries a high potential for abuse and dependence. Schedule II is the most restrictive category for drugs with accepted medical use. Prescriptions for Daytrana could not be called in by phone and required a written or electronic prescription with no refills — each fill needed a new prescription.
Daytrana shared many side effects with oral Methylphenidate but also had unique skin-related concerns due to its patch delivery:
A serious and unique risk was chemical leukoderma — permanent skin depigmentation at the patch site. Other serious risks included cardiovascular events, psychiatric symptoms, growth suppression in children, and Raynaud's phenomenon.
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Concerta
(Methylphenidate ER) — Extended-release oral tablet using OROS technology, lasting 10–12 hours
Ritalin LA
(Methylphenidate ER) — Extended-release capsule with beaded delivery, lasting 8–10 hours
Quillivant XR
(Methylphenidate ER liquid) — Extended-release liquid suspension, ideal for patients who cannot swallow pills
Vyvanse
(Lisdexamfetamine) — A prodrug of dextroamphetamine lasting 10–14 hours, now available as a generic
Prefer Daytrana? We can find it.
MAO inhibitors
moderateContraindicated; must not be used within 14 days of an MAO inhibitor
Serotonergic drugs
moderate(SSRIs, SNRIs) — Risk of serotonin syndrome
Antihypertensives
moderateDaytrana may reduce their effectiveness
Coumarin anticoagulants
moderateMethylphenidate may inhibit their metabolism
Anticonvulsants
moderate(Phenytoin, Phenobarbital) — Altered drug levels
Vasopressor agents
moderatePotentiated effects
Daytrana was a one-of-a-kind ADHD treatment — the only transdermal Methylphenidate patch ever approved by the FDA. Its discontinuation left a real gap for patients who benefited from non-oral medication delivery, particularly children who struggled with swallowing pills. With no generic ever produced, there is no direct replacement. Patients previously on Daytrana should work closely with their prescriber to find an oral Methylphenidate formulation that meets their needs. Alternatives like Concerta, Ritalin LA, and Quillivant XR offer similar active ingredients with different delivery methods.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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