Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ADDERALL 5 versus QUILLICHEW ER.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ADDERALL 5 versus QUILLICHEW ER.
ADDERALL 5 vs QUILLICHEW 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.
Quillichew ER contains methylphenidate, a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. The mechanism of action in ADHD is not fully understood, but it is thought to block the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine into the presynaptic neuron, increasing their availability in the extraneuronal space.
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, titrate by 10 mg weekly to maximum 60 mg/day (methylphenidate component).
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.
The terminal elimination half-life of methylphenidate is approximately 3-4 hours in children and 3.5-5 hours in adults. For QuilliChew ER, the extended-release formulation provides a prolonged absorption phase, with an effective duration of action of up to 12 hours.
Renal (90% as unchanged drug and metabolites; ~30% unchanged), minor fecal elimination (<5%).
QuilliChew ER (methylphenidate extended-release chewable tablet) is primarily eliminated via renal excretion as metabolites (60-80%) and unchanged drug (approx. 10%). Hepatic metabolism accounts for the remainder. Fecal elimination is minimal.
Category C
Category C
CNS Stimulant
CNS Stimulant