Efficacy of a methylphenidate transdermal system versus t.i.d. methylphenidate in a laboratory setting.
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.


METHODS
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 cm(2) 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.


CONCLUSIONS
The MTS demonstrates comparable efficacy and tolerability to TID IR MPH.
Pelham
William E
WE
State University of New York, USA. pelham@buffalo.edu
Waxmonsky
James G
JG
Schentag
Jerome
J
Ballow
Charles H
CH
Panahon
Carlos J
CJ
Gnagy
Elizabeth M
EM
Hoffman
Martin T
MT
Burrows-MacLean
Lisa
L
Meichenbaum
David L
DL
Forehand
Gregory L
GL
Fabiano
Gregory A
GA
Tresco
Katy E
KE
Lopez-Williams
Andy
A
Coles
Erika K
EK
González
Mario A
MA
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate