Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CONCERTA versus QUILLIVANT XR.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CONCERTA versus QUILLIVANT XR.
CONCERTA vs QUILLIVANT XR
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. It blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine into presynaptic neurons, increasing their levels in the synaptic cleft. It also acts as a dopamine agonist by stimulating the release of dopamine from storage sites.
Extended-release oral suspension formulation of methylphenidate, a central nervous system stimulant that inhibits the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine into presynaptic neurons, increasing their synaptic concentrations. The exact therapeutic effect in ADHD is unknown but is thought to involve dopaminergic and noradrenergic pathways in the prefrontal cortex.
18-72 mg orally once daily in the morning, starting at 18-36 mg/day and titrating in 18 mg increments weekly; maximum 72 mg/day.
Initial: 25 mg orally once daily in the morning; may increase weekly in 25 mg increments based on tolerability and response. Maximum: 75 mg once daily.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life of methylphenidate from CONCERTA is approximately 3.5 hours (range 2.5-5.5 hours) in adults; in children, mean half-life is 3-4 hours. The extended-release formulation provides a prolonged clinical effect due to the OROS delivery system, not prolonged half-life.
Approximately 4 hours; extended-release formulation provides therapeutic levels for ~12 hours.
Primarily renal (77%-87% as unchanged drug and metabolites); metabolic elimination accounts for 13%-23%, with minor biliary excretion (<2%).
Primarily renal (approximately 60% as unchanged drug); fecal excretion accounts for <5%.
Category C
Category C
CNS Stimulant
CNS Stimulant