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Methylphenidate Transdermal System

In Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children

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Abstract

  • ▴ The methylphenidate transdermal system (MTS) patch is approved by the US FDA for use in children aged 6–12 years with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This delivery system permits sustained absorption of the drug through the skin and into the bloodstream. Methylphenidate (MPH) is a CNS agent thought to act on dopamine and noradrenaline (norepinephrine) pathways and thereby blocks the reuptake of these neurotransmitters into the presynaptic neuron.

  • ▴ In children with ADHD, MTS patches releasing MPH doses of 10–30mg over a 9-hour period (12.5–37.5cm2 patch size) is steadily absorbed, with mean peak plasma concentrations of d-MPH (20–46.5 ng/mL) reached in ≊8 hours.

  • ▴ In well controlled trials in children with ADHD, patients administered MTS patches releasing MPH 10–30mg over ≊9 hours showed significantly greater improvements in their ADHD symptoms than placebo recipients.

  • ▴ MTS patches are generally well tolerated in paediatric patients with ADHD, with treatment-emergent events being similar in nature to those reported with oral MPH. The majority of adverse events were mild to moderate in intensity.

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Notes

  1. Daytrana is a trademark of Shire Pharmaceuticals Ireland Limited. The use of trade names is for product identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement.

  2. DOT Matrix is a trademark of Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

  3. OROS® is a trademark of ALZA Corporation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Adis International Limited, 41 Centorian Drive, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, 1311, New Zealand

    Vanessa R. Anderson & Lesley J. Scott

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  1. Vanessa R. Anderson
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  2. Lesley J. Scott
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Correspondence to Vanessa R. Anderson.

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Anderson, V.R., Scott, L.J. Methylphenidate Transdermal System. Drugs 66, 1117–1126 (2006). https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-200666080-00007

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