Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ADDERALL XR 20 versus DEXEDRINE.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ADDERALL XR 20 versus DEXEDRINE.
ADDERALL XR 20 vs DEXEDRINE
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Adderall XR 20 is a combination of amphetamine enantiomers (dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine). It increases synaptic levels of dopamine and norepinephrine by inhibiting their reuptake and promoting their release from presynaptic terminals.
Dextroamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant that enhances the activity of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain by blocking their reuptake and increasing their release from presynaptic terminals.
20 mg orally once daily in the morning.
5–60 mg/day orally in divided doses, typically 5–20 mg 1–3 times daily; use immediate-release or extended-release formulations per indication.
None Documented
None Documented
Approximately 10-13 hours for d-amphetamine and 13-15 hours for l-amphetamine in adults; in children, 9-11 hours. The extended-release formulation provides a prolonged therapeutic effect masking shorter elimination.
Terminal elimination half-life is 4-6 hours for dextroamphetamine; clinical effects last longer due to CNS accumulation
Approximately 90% of an oral dose is excreted renally, with 30% as unchanged amphetamine and the remainder as metabolites (including hippuric acid, benzoic acid, and hydroxylated derivatives). Fecal/biliary excretion accounts for <10%.
Renal: 30-45% unchanged, 50-60% as deaminated metabolites; fecal: minor (<5%)
Category C
Category C
CNS Stimulant
CNS Stimulant