Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: FOCALIN XR versus METADATE CD.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: FOCALIN XR versus METADATE CD.
FOCALIN XR vs METADATE CD
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
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.
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.
Initial 20 mg orally once daily; may increase in 10-20 mg increments at weekly intervals; maximum 60 mg/day.
20-60 mg orally once daily in the morning
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal half-life: 2-3 hours for immediate-release; 6-8 hours for extended-release (FOCALIN XR)
Terminal elimination half-life: 6.8 hours (range 4.5-10.3 hours) for methylphenidate; clinical context: supports twice-daily dosing regimen
Renal (approximately 90% as unchanged drug and metabolites)
Renal: 78-97% as metabolites (primarily ritalinic acid), unchanged drug <1%; fecal: <2%
Category C
Category C
CNS Stimulant
CNS Stimulant