Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ADDERALL XR 5 versus FOCALIN XR.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ADDERALL XR 5 versus FOCALIN XR.
ADDERALL XR 5 vs FOCALIN XR
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Adderall XR 5 contains a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, 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.
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
d-Amphetamine: 10-13 hours (adults), 11-14 hours (children); l-Amphetamine: 13-15 hours (adults). The prolonged terminal half-life of the extended-release formulation supports once-daily dosing.
Terminal half-life: 2-3 hours for immediate-release; 6-8 hours for extended-release (FOCALIN XR)
Renal (approximately 90% as unchanged drug and metabolites, with 30-40% as unchanged amphetamine), fecal (minimal, <5%)
Renal (approximately 90% as unchanged drug and metabolites)
Category C
Category C
CNS Stimulant
CNS Stimulant