Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DEXEDRINE versus METHYLIN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DEXEDRINE versus METHYLIN.
DEXEDRINE vs METHYLIN
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 stimulant. It blocks the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine into presynaptic neurons, increasing their concentrations in the synaptic cleft.
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.
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
Terminal elimination half-life is 4-6 hours for dextroamphetamine; clinical effects last longer due to CNS accumulation
2-4 hours (short elimination half-life, requiring multiple daily dosing; immediate-release: 3-4 hours, extended-release: 3-6 hours)
Renal: 30-45% unchanged, 50-60% as deaminated metabolites; fecal: minor (<5%)
Renal: 90% (mainly as metabolites, 30-50% as unchanged drug); fecal: <1%
Category C
Category C
CNS Stimulant
CNS Stimulant