Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DEXEDRINE versus METADATE CD.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DEXEDRINE versus METADATE CD.
DEXEDRINE vs METADATE CD
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Dextroamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant that enhances the activity of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain by blocking their reuptake and increasing their release from presynaptic terminals.
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. It blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine into the presynaptic neuron, increasing their levels in the extraneuronal space. The precise mechanism for treating ADHD is not fully understood.
5–60 mg/day orally in divided doses, typically 5–20 mg 1–3 times daily; use immediate-release or extended-release formulations per indication.
20-60 mg orally once daily in the morning
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life is 4-6 hours for dextroamphetamine; clinical effects last longer due to CNS accumulation
Terminal elimination half-life: 6.8 hours (range 4.5-10.3 hours) for methylphenidate; clinical context: supports twice-daily dosing regimen
Renal: 30-45% unchanged, 50-60% as deaminated metabolites; fecal: minor (<5%)
Renal: 78-97% as metabolites (primarily ritalinic acid), unchanged drug <1%; fecal: <2%
Category C
Category C
CNS Stimulant
CNS Stimulant