Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ADDERALL 5 versus QUILLIVANT XR.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ADDERALL 5 versus QUILLIVANT XR.
ADDERALL 5 vs QUILLIVANT 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.
Extended-release oral suspension formulation of methylphenidate, a central nervous system stimulant that inhibits the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine into presynaptic neurons, increasing their synaptic concentrations. The exact therapeutic effect in ADHD is unknown but is thought to involve dopaminergic and noradrenergic pathways in the prefrontal cortex.
Initial: 5 mg orally once or twice daily; increase by 5 mg increments at weekly intervals. Maximum: 40 mg/day in divided doses.
Initial: 25 mg orally once daily in the morning; may increase weekly in 25 mg increments based on tolerability and response. Maximum: 75 mg once daily.
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.
Approximately 4 hours; extended-release formulation provides therapeutic levels for ~12 hours.
Renal (90% as unchanged drug and metabolites; ~30% unchanged), minor fecal elimination (<5%).
Primarily renal (approximately 60% as unchanged drug); fecal excretion accounts for <5%.
Category C
Category C
CNS Stimulant
CNS Stimulant