Objective: Methylphenidate is a drug which is frequently prescribed in order to cope with the symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. One potential side effect of methylphenidate is its negative impact on the growth of children. Considering the association between linear growth and increase in bone mineral density, we aimed to evaluate the effects of methylphenidate on bone mineralization in rats.
Methods: Bone mineral density of methylphenidate administered rats (10 to 30 mg/kg/day, two months) was measured by dual photon absorptiometry and was compared with that of a control group.
Results: There were no significant differences in values of bone mineral density which were measured on both proximal and central femur regions between the study and control groups. There were also no significant differences in femur lengths between the study and control groups.
Conclusions: These results indicate that methylphenidate administration for two months’ duration at 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg dosages seems to have no adverse effect on bone mineralization in rats.