Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: BENZEDRINE versus FOCALIN XR.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: BENZEDRINE versus FOCALIN XR.
BENZEDRINE vs FOCALIN XR
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Benzedrine (racemic amphetamine) releases dopamine and norepinephrine from presynaptic neurons, blocks their reuptake, and inhibits monoamine oxidase, increasing synaptic monoamine levels.
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.
Oral: 5-10 mg once or twice daily, maximum 40 mg/day. Intramuscular: 5-10 mg every 30-60 minutes as needed, maximum 40 mg/day.
Initial 20 mg orally once daily; may increase in 10-20 mg increments at weekly intervals; maximum 60 mg/day.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life: 4-6 hours in adults (range 4-8 hours). Clinically, duration of action correlates with half-life, but tolerance may develop with repeated dosing.
Terminal half-life: 2-3 hours for immediate-release; 6-8 hours for extended-release (FOCALIN XR)
Renal (30-40% unchanged, pH-dependent), with minor biliary/fecal elimination. At acidic urine pH, elimination half-life is shortened; at alkaline pH, reabsorption increases.
Renal (approximately 90% as unchanged drug and metabolites)
Category C
Category C
CNS Stimulant
CNS Stimulant