Symptom control in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder on switching from immediate-release MPH to OROS® MPH

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of switching from immediate-release (IR) methylphenidate (MPH) to OROS MPH (CONCERTA, a once-daily long-acting MPH formulation, in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Subjects with ADHD aged 6-16 (n=105),who were stably maintained on their current IR MPH regimen (10-60 mg/day), were switched to 18, 36 or 54 mg OROS MPH once daily for 21 days, depending on pre-study daily MPH dose. ADHD symptoms were assessed by parents, teachers and investigators. By Day 21, parent/caregiver IOWA Conners ratings had decreased from baseline by 2.7 points to 5.2 (I/O), and by 1.8 points to 5.0 (O/D). Teacher IOWA Conners ratings were maintained. Decreases in IOWA Conners ratings are indicative of ADHD symptom improvement. Approximately 75% of parents and investigators rated therapy as good or excellent. OROS MPH therapy was well tolerated. Switching from IR MPH to OROS MPH maintained and may have improved symptom control in children and adolescents with ADHD, during the course of this study. The changes in parent/caregiver IOWA Conners ratings suggest that OROS MPH improves symptom control in the after-school period. This is consistent with the 12-h duration of action previously demonstrated for OROS MPH.