Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ADDERALL 5 versus METHYLIN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ADDERALL 5 versus METHYLIN.
ADDERALL 5 vs METHYLIN
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.
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant. It blocks the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine into presynaptic neurons, increasing their concentrations in the synaptic cleft.
Initial: 5 mg orally once or twice daily; increase by 5 mg increments at weekly intervals. Maximum: 40 mg/day in divided doses.
10 mg orally twice daily, administered 4-6 hours apart; doses may be adjusted in 5-10 mg increments weekly up to 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.
2-4 hours (short elimination half-life, requiring multiple daily dosing; immediate-release: 3-4 hours, extended-release: 3-6 hours)
Renal (90% as unchanged drug and metabolites; ~30% unchanged), minor fecal elimination (<5%).
Renal: 90% (mainly as metabolites, 30-50% as unchanged drug); fecal: <1%
Category C
Category C
CNS Stimulant
CNS Stimulant