Intragastric methylphenidate does have effects on the behavior of rats

The effects of intraperitoneal (2.0-32 mg/kg) and intragastric (8.0-96 mg/kg) methylphenidate on milk intake were determined in two groups of rats. Experimental sessions consisted of 15 min access to a sweetened milk solution each day, seven days a week. Following the determination of baseline intake, a dose of methylphenidate was administered prior to the session once every four days with all rats in each group receiving all doses. Although methylphenidate was equally effective in decreasing milk intake using either route of administration, intraperitoneal methylphenidate was four times as potent as intragastric methylphenidate.