D-THREO-METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE

Description

Dexmethylphenidate, the pharmacologically effective enantiomer of d,l-methyl phenidate (Ritalin?) was developed as an improved treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Dexmethylphenidate acts via the inhibition of reuptake of dopamine (by binding to dopamine transporter) and nor-adrenaline. It is thought to block dopamine and noradrenaline reuptake into the presynaptic neuron and increase neurotmnsmitter release into the extraneuronal space. Dexmethytphenidate, at half the usual dose of racemic methylphenidate, improved the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to a similar extent to methylphenidate in both home and school settings (SNAP-ADHD scores) at 3 h post dosing. Moreover, some studies showed that dexmethylphenidate has a statistically significant longer duration of action than the racemic form as measured by a behavioral scale at 6 h post dosing compared to placebo. In patients with ADHD, plasma dexmethylphenidate concentrations increased rapidly, reaching a maximum in the fasted state at approximately l-l.5 h post-dose. The mean plasma half-life for dexmethylphenidate is approximately 2.2 h. Dexmethylphenidate is metabolized to d-α-phenyl-piperidine acetic acid, its main urinary metabolite which has negligible pharmacological activity. In vitro studies showed that dexmethylphenidate did not inhibit cytochrome P450 isozymes. Dexmethylphenidate was well tolerated; the most commonly reported adverse events (abdominal pain, headache, anorexia, insomnia) were mild in severity and consistent with those known to be associated with agents containing methylphenidate. Current labeling states that dexmethylphenidate should be administered twice daily with an interval of at least 4 hours between doses. Stimulant medications have been used for over sixty years and remain, until now, the first line pharmacological therapy for children with ADHD, demonstrating effectiveness in roughly 70% of patients.

Chemical properties

White Solid

Originator

Celgene (USA)

The Uses of D-THREO-METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE

Controlled substance. CNS stimulant. More potent enantiomer

The Uses of D-THREO-METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE

Controlled substance. CNS stimulant. The more potent isomers of Methylphenidate. The threo enantomers have shown that the pharmacological activity residues predominantly in the d-threo enantiomer.

brand name

Focalin (Novartis).