Ritalin LA (methylphenidate HCl)
The following drug information is obtained from various newswires, published
medical journal articles, and medical conference presentations.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
General Information
Ritalin LA is a new once-daily formulation of Ritalin,
Novartis' previously approved ADHD treatment. This once-daily
capsule provides all day treatment with one morning dose, unlike
most ADHD treatments that require a midday dose. This dosing
regimen eliminates the social stigma issues felt by children having
to bring medication to school and decreases the possibility of
medication misuse.
ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorder among
school-aged children. Symptoms include inattentive, impulsive and
hyperactive behavior that interferes with a child's ability to
properly function in academic and social settings.
Clinical Results
The approval of Ritalin LA is based on results from a
randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 134
pediatric subjects, ages 6 to 12, with DSM IV diagnoses of ADHD.
Subjects received a single morning dose of Ritalin LA or placebo,
for up to two weeks. Efficacy was measured through the Conners ADHD
Scale for Teachers (CADS-T), completed at baseline and the end of
each week by the child's regular school teacher. The CADS-T
assesses symptoms of hyperactivity and inattention. The change from
baseline scores to those during the last week of treatment was
analyzed as the primary efficacy parameter. Subjects treated with
Ritalin LA showed a statistically significant improvement in
symptom scores from baseline over those who received placebo.
Side Effects
Adverse events associated with the use of Ritalin LA may include
(but are not limited to) the following:
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Upper abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite
- Anorexia
Mechanism of Action
Ritalin LA (methylphenidate HCl) is a central nervous system
stimulant. The exact mechanism of action in ADHD is unknown. The
drug is thought to block the reuptake of norepinephrine and
dopamine into the presynaptic neuron and increase the release of
these monoamines into the extraneuronal space. (Ritalin LA
prescribing information)
Additional Information
For more information on ADHD, please visit
ADHDinfo.
