Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ADDERALL 5 versus METHYLIN ER.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ADDERALL 5 versus METHYLIN ER.
ADDERALL 5 vs METHYLIN ER
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 that blocks the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine into presynaptic neurons, increasing their availability 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.
20-60 mg orally once daily in the morning
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.
Mean 3-6 hours in adults; longer in children (4-8 hours). Clinical context: steady-state reached within 2 days; dosing every 8-12 hours.
Renal (90% as unchanged drug and metabolites; ~30% unchanged), minor fecal elimination (<5%).
Renal (90% as metabolites, <1% unchanged). Biliary/fecal: <2%.
Category C
Category C
CNS Stimulant
CNS Stimulant