Review of new compounds available in Australia for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Full Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, efficacy, safety and cost of Ritalin LA, Concerta and Strattera, three compounds recently released in Australia for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS: MEDLINE was searched for relevant review articles and primary treatment studies. Data were augmented by product information supplied by the respective manufacturers. Costing information was obtained by surveying five community pharmacy outlets in Newcastle-Lake Macquarie, New South Wales. RESULTS: The three compounds reviewed have similar tolerability and efficacy to immediate-release methylphenidate, with the advantage of once daily dosing. The properties of these agents, particularly Strattera, make them less able to be abused. Ritalin LA may be superior to Concerta in controlling symptoms of ADHD in the first 4 h following ingestion, but the data should be interpreted with caution. CONCLUSIONS: The newer treatments for ADHD offer advantages over immediate-release methyphenidate in dosing schedule and duration of action that may be of particular benefit to adolescent and adult patients. Prescription of these medications may be limited by their expense to the patient.

Author information

Author/s: Hazell, Philip (P);

Affiliation: University of Newcastle and Wallsend Hospital, Child and Youth Mental Health Service, Newcastle, NSW, Australia. Philip.Hazell(-atsign-)hunter.health.nsw.gov.au

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Australasian psychiatry : bulletin of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (Australas Psychiatry), published in Australia. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2004-Dec; vol 12 (issue 4) : pp 369-75

Dates: Created 2005/02/17; Completed 2005/04/11; Revised 2007/11/15;

PMID: 15715810, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Associated Chemicals: Central Nervous System Stimulants (0) ; Delayed-Action Preparations (0) ; Propylamines (0) ; Methylphenidate (113-45-1) ; atomoxetine (83015-26-3)

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