title: An evaluation of the pharmacokinetics of methylphenidate for the treatment of attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Methylphenidate (MPH) plays a principal role in the multimodal treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Controlled studies have demonstrated an effective reduction in the core symptoms of the disorder following MPH therapy, although long-term studies also demonstrate that the therapeutic benefits dissipate in the absence of combined psychosocial interventions.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review article focuses on the pharmacological characteristics of MPH, examining its effects on brain metabolism and the neurotransmitter system. Neuropsychological and clinical effects of different immediate and extended release MPH formulations are discussed to aid clinicians in choosing the appropriate formulation. The drug's addictive potency and abuse potential is also discussed. Data came from a literature search of relevant studies performed using the PubMed database up to June 2013.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MPH is effective in the treatment of the core symptoms of ADHD. Considerable clinical expertise is required to identify an individually well-adapted dosage which will produce the optimal clinical effects with potential side effects minimized. Due to low adherence to medication, especially in adolescents, motivation to treatment and attentive clinical monitoring is mandatory, as is the consideration of risks of abuse or the presence of a comorbid addictive disorder.
authors.affiliation: Central Institute of Mental Health, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic , Postbox: 12 21 20, 68072 Mannheim , Germany +49 711 2845928 ; +49 711 2845929 ; praxis-dr-froelich@t-online.de.
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Frölich
authors.forename: Tobias
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Banaschewski
authors.forename: Manfred
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Döpfner
authors.forename: Anja
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Görtz-Dorten
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000818:Animals; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D055118:Medication Adherence; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D008774:Methylphenidate
keywords: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; dopamine; extended-release formulations; methylphenidate; pharmacokinetics