Medications for
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (
ADHD) currently represent the ninth largest segment of the CNS market by sales, with 2.4 billion USD spent annually on this condition and 40% annual growth. Stimulant medications remain the most effective
ADHD therapies and provide robust improvement in
ADHD symptoms in both youth and adults. Current prescribing practices favor
extended release preparations due to increased convenience, compliance and tolerability with once-daily dosing.
Dexmethylphenidate extended release is a long-acting preparation of the
ADHD medication
Focalin (
dexmethylphenidate immediate release) and was approved for marketing by the US Food and Drug administration in June 2005.
Dexmethylphenidate consists of the single dextro-isomer form of d,l-
methylphenidate commonly marketed as
Ritalin.
Dexmethylphenidate extended release utilizes spheroidal oral
drug absorption system technology to achieve a 50% immediate medication delivery and 50% delayed release of
dexmethylphenidate approximately 4 h after ingestion. Placebo-controlled, clinical trials in children and adults with
ADHD have demonstrated efficacy for behavioral and academic ratings, with an analog classroom study showing medication effects up to 12 h after dosing.
Dexmethylphenidate extended release was generally well tolerated with a side-effect profile similar to other stimulants. The most common reported side effects include diminished appetite and
insomnia. Given its duration of effect, favorable tolerability and flexibility in dosing,
dexmethylphenidate extended release is likely to gain considerable use as an
ADHD treatment.