Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: QUILLICHEW ER versus QUILLIVANT XR.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: QUILLICHEW ER versus QUILLIVANT XR.
QUILLICHEW ER vs QUILLIVANT XR
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
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.
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.
Initial 20 mg orally once daily, titrate by 10 mg weekly to maximum 60 mg/day (methylphenidate component).
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
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.
Approximately 4 hours; extended-release formulation provides therapeutic levels for ~12 hours.
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.
Primarily renal (approximately 60% as unchanged drug); fecal excretion accounts for <5%.
Category C
Category C
CNS Stimulant
CNS Stimulant