The absorption of sustained‐release methylphenidate formulations compared to an immediate‐release formulation

摘要

AbstractA crossover study in 18 subjects evaluated the plasma concentration–time profile of two different 20 mg sustained‐release (SR) methylphenidate (MPH) tablets administered before breakfast, compared to a 10 mg immediate‐release (IR) tablet administered before breakfast and again 5 h later, before lunch. Plasma MPH concentrations were determined using a sensitive and precise gas chromatography–mass spectrometry method, incorporating a deuterated internal standard. The mean peak MPH concentration was 6.4 ng ml−1for the IR product versus 4·6 ng ml−1and 4·8 ng ml−1for the two SR formulations. Peak concentrations occurred at 3·3 h after dosing with the SR products, compared to 1·5 h after the first dose of the IR product. The extent of absorption for the three products, as determined from areas under the plasma concentration‐time curves, were within 5 per cent of each other. There was no significant difference in rate or extent of absorption between the