[Effectiveness and safety of methylphenidate and atomoxetine for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a
Xiao-Zhen Lv1, Zheng Shu, Yao-Wen Zhang
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
Insights
Methylphenidate controlled-release (OROS-MPH) appears more effective than immediate-release methylphenidate (IR-MPH) for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Atomoxetine (AHC) showed similar effectiveness to IR-MPH, with all treatments demonstrating good safety profiles.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children.
- Pharmacological interventions are a cornerstone of ADHD management.
- Comparing the efficacy and safety of different ADHD medications is crucial for clinical decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness and safety of methylphenidate immediate-release tablets (IR-MPH), methylphenidate controlled-release tablets (OROS-MPH), and atomoxetine (AHC) in Chinese children diagnosed with ADHD.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical controlled trials.
- Searched major electronic databases including CNKI, VIP, CBMDISC, PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE.
- Independent data extraction and quality assessment by two reviewers.
Main Results:
- Eight trials were included, demonstrating the efficacy of IR-MPH, OROS-MPH, and AHC for ADHD.
- OROS-MPH showed superiority over IR-MPH in improving peer relationships, clinical global impression, mother satisfaction, and psychosomatic issues.
- No significant differences in effectiveness were found between AHC and IR-MPH.
Conclusions:
- OROS-MPH is likely more effective than IR-MPH for treating ADHD in children.
- AHC demonstrates comparable effectiveness to IR-MPH.
- All three medications (IR-MPH, OROS-MPH, AHC) are safe and well-tolerated, with no significant differences in adverse event rates.
Objective:
To assess and compare the effectiveness and safety of methylphenidate immediate-release tablets (IR-MPH), methylphenidate controlled release tablets (OROS-MPH) and atomoxetine (AHC) for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Chinese children.
Methods:
Randomized or clinical controlled trials on the effectiveness and safety of IR-MPH, OROS-MPH and AHC for ADHD were searched in electronic databases of CNKI, VIP, CBMDISC online, PubMed, Embase and MEDLINE. Two reviewers independently extracted the data and assessed the quality of the included literatures.
Results:
Eight trials were finally included. IR-MPH, OROS-MPH and AHC were effective for ADHD. OROS-MPH was superior to IR-MPH in the improvement of peer relationship, CGI-I score, mother satisfaction and psychosomatic problems. There were no significant differences in the effectiveness between the AHC and IR-MPH groups. The adverse events related to the therapy with IR-MPH, OROS-MPH or AHC were mild and the incidence rates of adverse events were not significantly different among the three groups.
Conclusions:
The effectiveness of OROS-MPH for the treatment of ADHD is probably superior to IR-MPH, and the effectiveness between AHC and IR-MPH is similar. The three drugs demonstrate the safety and well tolerance.
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