Converting a Patient with ADHD to Extended Release Methylphenidate

Description

Extended release methylphenidate (Concerta, McNeil Consumer) allows a patient with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) to consolidate multiple doses of methylphenidate into a single morning dose. This may improve compliance by simplifying the regimen.

Preparation	Dosing	Equivalent Dose
methylphenidate 5 mg	bid	18 mg qAM
methylphenidate 5 mg	tid	18 mg qAM
methylphenidate SR 20 mg	qd	18 mg qAM
methylphenidate 10 mg	bid	36 mg qAM
methylphenidate 10 mg	tid	36 mg qAM
methylphenidate SR 40 mg	qd	36 mg qAM
methylphenidate 15 mg	bid	54 mg qAM
methylphenidate 15 mg	tid	54 mg qAM
methylphenidate SR 60 mg	qd	54 mg qAM

where:

• I am not sure of what the benefits of converting from a sustained release to extended release formulations are.

A 27 mg formulation is available for patients requiring a dose intermediate between the 18 and 36 mg preparations.

The maximum daily dose is 54 mg.

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Description

Specialty

ICD-10