Efficacy of a Methylphenidate Transdermal System Versus t.i.d. Methylphenidate in a Laboratory Setting
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-2011
Abstract
Objective: To test the efficacy and tolerability of the methylphenidate transdermal formulation (MTS) against immediate-release methylphenidate (IR MPH) and placebo in a 12-hr analog classroom setting. Method: A total of nine boys ages 6 to 9 years, medicated with MPH for ADHD, complete a within-subject, double-blind study. For the purpose of the study, the boys are administered a dose of 20 cm2 MTS, a matched dose of IR MPH 10 mg TID, and placebo. ADHD symptoms and frequency counts of classroom rule violations and the number of math problems completed are assessed hourly, during three consecutive analog classroom sessions. Results: Findings show that, across measures and throughout the day, both treatments significantly differentiated from placebo (p < .05) but not from each other. It is also observed that the MTS produced more consistent results across the day but had a delayed onset versus IR MPH. Both medications are well tolerated with only mild reductions in sleep onset. Conclusion: The MTS demonstrates comparable efficacy and tolerability to TID IR MPH.
Department
Psychology
Publication Title
Journal of Attention Disorders
Recommended Citation
Pelham, W.E., Waxmonsky, J.G., Schentag, J., Ballow, C.H., Panahon, C.J., Gnagy, E.M., Hoffman, M.T., Burrows-MacLean, L., Meichenbaum, D.L., Forehand, G.L., Fabiano, G.A., Tresco, K.E., Lopez-Williams, A., Coles, E.K., & Gonzalez, M.A. (2011). Efficacy of a Methylphenidate Transdermal System Versus t.i.d. Methylphenidate in a Laboratory Setting. Journal of Attention Disorders, 15(1), 28-35. doi:10.1177/1087054709359163
DOI
10.1177/1087054709359163
Link to Publisher Version (DOI)
Publisher's Copyright and Source
Copyright © 2011 SAGE Publications. Article published by SAGE Publications in Journal of Attention Disorders, volume 15, issue number 1, January 2011, pages 28-35. Available online on December 9, 2010:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1087054709359163