Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
Published on: November 10, 2017
Methylphenidate has positive hypocholesterolemic and hypotriglyceridemic effects: new data.
Gideon Charach1, Nehemia Kaysar, Itamar Grosskopf
1Department of Internal Medicine C, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6 Weizman Street, Tel Aviv 64239, Israel. drcharach@012.net.il
Methylphenidate, a stimulant for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), was found to improve plasma lipid profiles. This study shows methylphenidate decreases total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, and lipoprotein (a) in ADHD patients.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Psychotropic medications can alter plasma lipid profiles.
- Methylphenidate, a central nervous system stimulant, has an uninvestigated effect on lipid metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of methylphenidate on plasma lipid profiles in patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Main Methods:
- Blood samples from 42 ADHD patients were analyzed before and after 3 months of methylphenidate treatment.
- Measurements included total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, apolipoproteins A and B, and lipoprotein (a).
Main Results:
- Methylphenidate significantly decreased total cholesterol (-9 mg/dL), LDL-C (-5.0 mg/dL), triglycerides (-8.0 mg/dL), and lipoprotein (a) (-2.0 mg/dL).
- No significant changes were observed in HDL-C, apolipoprotein A, or apolipoprotein B levels.
Conclusions:
- Methylphenidate treatment positively impacts the lipid profile in ADHD patients.
- The drug effectively reduces key lipid markers, including total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, and lipoprotein (a).
Related Concept Videos
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines
Theophylline is thought to inhibit phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This rise in cAMP and cGMP concentrations stimulates cardiac function,...
Atherosclerosis III: Management
Adrenergic Agonists: Mixed-Action Agents
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents
One mechanism involves depleting stored catecholamines by displacing them from synaptic vesicles. These agents, known as "displacers," are transported into vesicles at the expense of noradrenaline. Examples include amphetamine and tyramine, which lack a catechol moiety, resulting in prolonged action, improved oral bioavailability, and...