A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, laboratory classroom assessment of methylphenidate transdermal system in children with ADHD.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluates the efficacy, duration of action, and tolerability of methylphenidate transdermal system (MTS) in children with ADHD.


METHODS
Participants were dose optimized over 5 weeks utilizing patch doses of 10, 16, 20, and 27 mg applied in the morning and worn for 9 hours. Following optimization, 80 participants were randomized to 1 week of MTS or placebo followed by 1 week of the opposite treatment. Laboratory classroom sessions conducted after each randomized week included blinded ratings of attention, behavior, and academic performance.


RESULTS
MTS was well tolerated and displayed significant improvement compared with placebo. Improvements were seen at the first postdose time point measured and continued through 12 hours.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment with MTS resulted in statistically significant improvements on all efficacy measures. Time course and therapeutic effects of MTS suggest that this novel methylphenidate delivery system is an efficacious once-daily treatment for ADHD.
University of California, Los Angeles, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, 90095, USA. jmcgough@mednet.ucla.edu
James J
JJ
McGough
Sharon B
SB
Wigal
Howard
H
Abikoff
John M
JM
Turnbow
Kelly
K
Posner
Eliot
E
Moon
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate