Related Experiment Videos
The absorption of sustained-release methylphenidate formulations compared to an immediate-release formulation
K S Patrick1, A B Straughn, E J Jarvi
1Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee, Memphis 38163.
Biopharmaceutics & Drug Disposition
|March 1, 1989
Summary
This study compared sustained-release (SR) methylphenidate (MPH) to immediate-release (IR) MPH. Both SR formulations showed similar absorption profiles to IR MPH, suggesting comparable effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacokinetics
- Pharmacology
- Drug Formulation
Background:
- Methylphenidate (MPH) is a central nervous system stimulant used to treat ADHD.
- Sustained-release (SR) formulations aim to provide prolonged therapeutic effects.
- Understanding the pharmacokinetic profiles of different MPH formulations is crucial for optimizing treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the plasma concentration-time profiles of two 20 mg SR MPH tablets against a 10 mg immediate-release (IR) MPH tablet.
- To evaluate the rate and extent of methylphenidate absorption from different formulations.
Main Methods:
- A crossover study involving 18 healthy subjects.
- Administration of two 20 mg SR MPH tablets versus a 10 mg IR MPH tablet (taken twice).
- Plasma MPH concentrations measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
Main Results:
- Mean peak MPH concentration was lower for SR formulations (4.6-4.8 ng/mL) compared to IR (6.4 ng/mL).
- Peak concentrations occurred later with SR formulations (3.3 h) versus IR (1.5 h).
- The extent of absorption (AUC) was similar across all tested MPH formulations.
Conclusions:
- Both 20 mg SR MPH formulations exhibited comparable pharmacokinetic profiles to the 10 mg IR MPH formulation.
- No significant differences were observed in the rate or extent of absorption between the two SR MPH formulations.
- These findings support the potential therapeutic equivalence of the evaluated SR MPH formulations to the IR formulation.