Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ADDERALL 5 versus FOCALIN XR.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ADDERALL 5 versus FOCALIN XR.
ADDERALL 5 vs FOCALIN XR
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Adderall 5 is a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, which are central nervous system stimulants. They increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft by inhibiting their reuptake and promoting their release from presynaptic neurons.
Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate) is a central nervous system stimulant. It blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine into presynaptic neurons, increasing their concentrations in the synaptic cleft. The d-threo enantiomer is pharmacologically active.
Initial: 5 mg orally once or twice daily; increase by 5 mg increments at weekly intervals. Maximum: 40 mg/day in divided doses.
Initial 20 mg orally once daily; may increase in 10-20 mg increments at weekly intervals; maximum 60 mg/day.
None Documented
None Documented
Immediate-release: 9–11 hours (mean 10 hours for dextroamphetamine); extended-release: 10–13 hours. Terminal half-life may be prolonged with urinary pH >7.
Terminal half-life: 2-3 hours for immediate-release; 6-8 hours for extended-release (FOCALIN XR)
Renal (90% as unchanged drug and metabolites; ~30% unchanged), minor fecal elimination (<5%).
Renal (approximately 90% as unchanged drug and metabolites)
Category C
Category C
CNS Stimulant
CNS Stimulant