Methylphenidate Extended-Release Capsules: A New Formulation for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

In recent years Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been the focus of growing interest, and different drugs have been introduced for its treatment. Thus, there is a range of medication for ADHD, but new formulations are necessary for more individualized therapy. The choice will depend upon the circumstances and detailed assessment. A new extendedrelease formulation of methylphenidate (Medikinet®) has increased the drugdelivery treatment options for ADHD. Medikinet® combines the advantages of immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) formulations of methylphenidate, with rapid onset and prolonged duration of action (7-8 h), in a single dose intended for once-daily administration. The concentration-time profile is achieved through the particular formulation of Medikinet®, whose hardgelatine capsule contains 50% enteric-coated and 50% uncoated pellets, providing both a first, immediate release and a second, delayed release. The coated pellets only dissolve at a pH < 5.5 and release the active drug in a sustained way into the intestine. There is no difference in the bioavailability of the IR/ER product when administration follows a normal or high-calorie breakfast. Medikinet® also shows a bioavailability comparable to that of the b.i.d. 10 mg immediate release regime, as well as a high level of efficacy and good tolerability. In this review, we describe the pharmacokinetics of Medikinet® and compare its characteristics with those of other formulations used for treating ADHD.