Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DEXEDRINE versus QUILLIVANT XR.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DEXEDRINE versus QUILLIVANT XR.
DEXEDRINE vs QUILLIVANT XR
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.
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.
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.
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 is 4-6 hours for dextroamphetamine; clinical effects last longer due to CNS accumulation
Approximately 4 hours; extended-release formulation provides therapeutic levels for ~12 hours.
Renal: 30-45% unchanged, 50-60% as deaminated metabolites; fecal: minor (<5%)
Primarily renal (approximately 60% as unchanged drug); fecal excretion accounts for <5%.
Category C
Category C
CNS Stimulant
CNS Stimulant