Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: METHYLIN versus QUILLICHEW ER.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: METHYLIN versus QUILLICHEW ER.
METHYLIN vs QUILLICHEW ER
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
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.
Quillichew ER contains methylphenidate, a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. The mechanism of action in ADHD is not fully understood, but it is thought to block the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine into the presynaptic neuron, increasing their availability in the extraneuronal space.
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.
Initial 20 mg orally once daily, titrate by 10 mg weekly to maximum 60 mg/day (methylphenidate component).
None Documented
None Documented
2-4 hours (short elimination half-life, requiring multiple daily dosing; immediate-release: 3-4 hours, extended-release: 3-6 hours)
The terminal elimination half-life of methylphenidate is approximately 3-4 hours in children and 3.5-5 hours in adults. For QuilliChew ER, the extended-release formulation provides a prolonged absorption phase, with an effective duration of action of up to 12 hours.
Renal: 90% (mainly as metabolites, 30-50% as unchanged drug); fecal: <1%
QuilliChew ER (methylphenidate extended-release chewable tablet) is primarily eliminated via renal excretion as metabolites (60-80%) and unchanged drug (approx. 10%). Hepatic metabolism accounts for the remainder. Fecal elimination is minimal.
Category C
Category C
CNS Stimulant
CNS Stimulant