Review of new compounds available in Australia for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
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.
Hazell
Philip
P
University of Newcastle and Wallsend Hospital, Child and Youth Mental Health Service, Newcastle, NSW, Australia. Philip.Hazell@hunter.health.nsw.gov.au
D000293:Adolescent; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology; D001315:Australia; D001682:Biological Availability; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D017277:Drug Approval / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D016527:Drug Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008658:Inactivation, Metabolic; D008657:Metabolic Clearance Rate / Q000502:physiology; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010552:Personality Assessment; D011437:Propylamines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013810:Therapeutic Equivalency; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D011437:Propylamines; D008774:Methylphenidate; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride