Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ADDERALL XR 20 versus FOCALIN XR.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ADDERALL XR 20 versus FOCALIN XR.
ADDERALL XR 20 vs FOCALIN XR
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.
Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate) is a central nervous system stimulant. It blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine into presynaptic neurons, increasing their concentrations in the synaptic cleft. The d-threo enantiomer is pharmacologically active.
20 mg orally once daily in the morning.
Initial 20 mg orally once daily; may increase in 10-20 mg increments at weekly intervals; maximum 60 mg/day.
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 half-life: 2-3 hours for immediate-release; 6-8 hours for extended-release (FOCALIN XR)
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 (approximately 90% as unchanged drug and metabolites)
Category C
Category C
CNS Stimulant
CNS Stimulant