Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ADDERALL XR 5 versus METHYLIN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ADDERALL XR 5 versus METHYLIN.
ADDERALL XR 5 vs METHYLIN
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.
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant. It blocks the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine into presynaptic neurons, increasing their concentrations in the synaptic cleft.
20 mg orally once daily in the morning
10 mg orally twice daily, administered 4-6 hours apart; doses may be adjusted in 5-10 mg increments weekly up to 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.
2-4 hours (short elimination half-life, requiring multiple daily dosing; immediate-release: 3-4 hours, extended-release: 3-6 hours)
Renal (approximately 90% as unchanged drug and metabolites, with 30-40% as unchanged amphetamine), fecal (minimal, <5%)
Renal: 90% (mainly as metabolites, 30-50% as unchanged drug); fecal: <1%
Category C
Category C
CNS Stimulant
CNS Stimulant