Methylphenidate transdermal system for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

The methylphenidate transdermal system (MTS) is the only nonoral medication approved by the US FDA for treating the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). MTS patches deliver methylphenidate through the skin directly into the bloodstream, largely circumventing the first-pass metabolism of the GI tract and liver that occurs with orally administered methylphenidate. Clinical studies in school-aged children have shown MTS to be well tolerated and effective in the treatment of ADHD. Adverse effects most commonly seen in clinical studies are consistent with those seen with the use of other methylphenidate products and include decreased appetite, insomnia, headache, nausea, vomiting, anorexia and weight loss. When worn for the recommended 9 h, MTS demonstrated significant reductions in the core symptoms of ADHD from 2 through 12 h post-application.

Keywords: :

• ADHD
• Daytrana^®
• methylphenidate transdermal system
• stimulants

Financial disclosure & competing interests

Thomas Rugino, MD has participated as a medical consultant and has participated in speakers‘ bureau programs for Cephalon, Inc. (PA, USA), Novartis Pharmaceuticals (UK), Shire Pharmaceuticals (PA, USA) and UCB Pharma (NY, USA). He has also participated as a medical consultant for Lexicor Medical Technology LLC (FL, USA). Children‘s Specialized Hospital has received research grant funding from Cephalon, Inc, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Shire Pharmaceuticals, UCB Pharma, Sanofi-Aventis and Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Inc.

The author has no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Shire Pharmaceuticals and Amy M Horton for providing clinical trial information and assistance in the preparation of this manuscript.