1. Medications Used for ADHD
Stimulants
Medication Dose
(Starting-Max)
Available
strengths
(mg)
Duration
of action
(hours)
Can be
split?
FDA
approved
ages
Delivery system notes Generic Equivalency
Methylphenidates
Short acting
Focalin
(dexmethylphenidate)
S: 2.5 mg BID
M: 20 mg Daily
2.5, 5, 10 3-5 Yes 6+ Off label use:
50 mg daily
AB: ABH, NVL, SUN, TEV,
TRS
Methylin CT
(methylphenidate)
S: 5 mg BID-TID
M: 60 mg Daily
2.5, 5, 10 3-5 Yes 6+ Grape flavored chewable tablet Not rated: NVL
Methylin Oral solution S: 5 mg BID-TID
M: 60 mg Daily
5mg/5mL,
10mg/5mL
3-5 N/A 6+ Grape flavor AA: NOS, NVL, TRS
Ritalin
(methylphenidate)
Children (Adults)
S: 5 mg BID-TID
M: 20 mg (60 mg) Daily
5, 10, 20 3-5 Yes 6+ Off label use: 100 mg daily if over
50kg
AB: ACT, ASC, COR, CLP,
MAL, NVL, SUN, UCB,
VIN
Intermediate acting
Ritalin SR S: 20 mg QD-BID
M: 60 mg Daily
20 2-8 No 6+ Discontinued
Wax matrix tab with 50% IR and
50% delayed release
AB: ABH, CLP, UCB
Metadate ER S: 10 mg QAM-BID
M: 60 mg Daily
10*, 20 2-8 No 6+ Original Discontinued; additive
and color free
Wax matrix tab with 50% IR and
50% delayed release
*10 mg strength is generic only
AB: ABH, CLP, UCB
Long acting
Focalin XR
(dexmethylphenidate
XR)
Children (Adults)
S: 5 mg (10 mg)
M: 30 mg (40 mg)
5, 10, 15,
20, 25, 30,
35, 40
9-12 Can be
sprinkled;
do not
crush or
chew
6+ 50% IR; 50% enteric coated
delayed-release beads
*SODAS
35 and 40 mg tabs are for adults
only
Generic unavailable in 25 and 35
mg strengths
AB: IMP, INT, MYL, TEV
2. Aptensio XR
(methylphenidate)
S: 10 mg QD
M: 60 mg QD
10, 15, 20,
30, 40, 50,
60
12 Can be
sprinkled;
do not
crush or
chew
6+ Multi layer beads:40% IR; 60%
Controlled release
N/A
Concerta
(methylphenidate)
Children (Adults)
S: 18-36 mg Daily
M: 54 mg (72 mg) Daily
18, 27, 36,
54
12 No 6+ Trilayer core surrounded by
semipermeable membrane with
22% IR drug overcoat
*OROS
Off label use:
108 mg daily for adults
AB: ABH, CLP
BX: KRE, MAL
Daytrana
(methylphenidate
transdermal system)
S: 10 mg
M: 30 mg
10, 15, 20,
30
11-12 N/A 6-17 Transdermal continuous release
patch
Off label: use in adults
N/A
Metadate CD
(methylphenidate)
S: 20 mg QAM
M: 60 mg QAM
10, 20, 30,
40, 50, 60
6-8 Can be
sprinkled;
do not
crush or
chew
6+ Bead filled capsule: 30% IR; 70%
ER
Best if taken before breakfast
AB2: Branded generic from
UCB
Quillivant XR
(methylphenidate)
S: 20 mg QD
M: 60 mg QD
25mg/5mL
(60, 120,
150, 180
mL)
10-12 N/A 6+ Banana flavored oral suspension
that needs to be reconstituted;
20% IR; 80% ER; ER is released
from coated SPS* particles via ion
exchange
N/A
Quillichew ER
(methylphenidate)
S: 20 mg QD
M: 60 mg QD
20, 30, 40 8-9 Yes 6+ Cherry flavored chewable tablets;
30% IR; 70% ER
ER is released from SPS* via ion
exchange
N/A
Ritalin LA S: 10-20 mg QD
M: 60 mg QD
10, 20, 30,
40, 60
6-8 Can be
sprinkled;
do not
crush or
chew
6+ Bead filled capsule;
50% IR; 50% enteric coated
delayed release
Generic available in 20, 30, 40 mg
tabs
AB1: BAR, MAY
AB2: COR, MAL, TEV
Amphetamines
Short acting
Dextrostat, Dexedrine
(dextroamphetamine)
S: 2.5-5 mg QAM-BID
M: 40 mg Daily
5, 10 4-6 Yes 3-16 Best to take upon awakening
Off label: 60 mg if over 50 mg
Dexedrine only comes in 5 mg
tablets
AA: AUR, AVA, BAR,
COR, MAL, MIK, NES,
NVL
ProCentra, LiquADD
(dextroamphetamine)
S: 2.5 mg QAM-BID
M: 40 mg Daily
5mg/5mL 4-6 N/A 3-16 Best to take upon awakening
Off label: 60 mg if over 50 mg
LiquADD has been discontinued
AA: OUT, TRS
3. Zenzedi
(dextroamphetamine
sulfate)
S:2.5-5 mg QD-BID
M: 60 mg Daily
2.5, 5, 7.5,
10, 15, 20,
30
4-6 No 3-16 Rated generics only available for
5 and 10 mg strengths
AA: AUR, AVA, BAR,
COR, MAL, MIK, NES,
NVL
Unrated: 2.5, 7.5, 15, 20, 30
mg strengths from MIK
Desoxyn
(methamphetamine)
S: 5 mg QAM-BID
M: 60 mg Daily
5 4-6* Yes 6+ Not in current ADHD treatment
guidelines
Usual dose is 20-25 mg
*Clinical features of use can last
upwards of 10-20 hours
AA: MAY, ROX
Intermediate acting
Adderall
(amphetamine/
dextroamphetamine)
Children (Adults)
S: 2.5 mg QD-5 mg BID
M: 30 mg (40 mg) Daily
5, 7.5, 10,
12.5, 15,
20, 30
6 Can be
crushed
3+ Off label: 60 mg if over 50 kg AB: ACTE, AUR, BAR,
COR, MAL, MYL, SAN,
SUN
Evekeo (amphetamine/
dextroamphetamine)
Children (Adults)
S: 2.5-5 mg (5-10 mg) QD-
BID
M: 40 mg Daily
5, 10 9-10 Yes 3+ Off label: 60 mg Daily for adults N/A
Long acting
Adderall XR Children (Adults)
S: 2.5-5 mg (20 mg) QD
M: 30 mg (60 mg) QD
5, 10, 15,
20, 25, 30
10-12 Can be
sprinkled;
do not
crush or
chew
6+ Off label: 60 mg if over 50 kg
Mix of 4 amphetamine salts;
50% IR and 50% ER beads
AB: ACTE, IMP, TEV, BAR
Adzenys XR-ODT
(amphetamine)
Children (Adults)
S: 6.3 mg (12.5) QAM
M: 18.8 mg (13+: 12.5 mg)
QAM
3.1, 6.3,
9.4, 12.5,
15.7, 18.8
10-12 No: do not
crush
6+ Orange flavored orally
disintegrating tablet
50% IR; 50% delayed release
ER is released from SPS* via ion
exchange
N/A
Dyanavel XR
(amphetamine)
S: 2.5-5 mg QD
M: 20 mg QD
2.5mg/mL
(464 mL)
12-13 N/A 6+ Bubblegum flavor
ER suspension:Drug is released
from SPS* via ion exchange
IR/ER ratio not specified
N/A
Dexedrine Spansules
(dextroamphetamine)
Children (Adults)
S: 5 mg QAM or BID (10
mg QAM)
M: 40 mg Daily
5, 10, 15 6-8 Can be
sprinkled;
do not
crush or
chew
6-16 Bead filled capsule: 50% IR; 50%
delayed release
Off label: 60 mg if over 50 kg and
use in adults
AB: ACTE, MAL, MAY,
MYL
Vyvanse
(lisdexamfetamine)
S: 20-30 mg QD
M: 70 mg QD
10, 20, 30,
40, 50, 60,
70
10-12 Can be
dissolved
6+ Hydrolytic activity of red blood
cells metabolizes
lisdexamfetamine to active
metabolite dexamphetamine
N/A
4. Non-Stimulants
Medication Dose
(Starting-Max)
Available
strengths
(mg)
Duration
of action
(hours)
Can it be
split?
FDA
approved
ages
Delivery system notes Generic Equivalency
Strattera (atomoxetine) S: 0.5mg/kg/day up to 70
kg; >70kg: 40 mg/day
M: 100 mg or 1.4 mg/kg
whichever is less
10, 18, 25,
40, 60, 80,
100
10-12 No 6+ Boxed warning: increased risk
of suicidal ideation in children
N/A
Kapvay (clonidine ER) S: 0.1 mg QHS
M: 0.4 mg Daily
0.1, 0.2 10-12 No 6-17 AB1: ACTE, ANC
AB2: ACTE
Intuniv (guanfacine
ER)
6-12 (13-17)
S: 1 mg Daily
M:4 mg (7 mg) Daily
1, 2, 3, 4 10-12 No 6-17 IR formulation is not approved
for ADHD
Doses>4mg have not been
studied in children 6-12
AB: ACTE, MYL, SAN,
TEV, TWI
Wellbutrin (bupropion) Children* (Adults)
S: 1 mg/kg (150 mg) Daily
M: 6 mg/kg (450mg) Daily
75, 100 6-9 Yes Not
approved
for
ADHD
SR and XL formulations are
also available
*Children over 20kg
AB: APO, HER, MYL, SAN
Generics for SR and XL
formulations not listed
Provigil (modafinil) S: 100 mg Daily
M: 400 mg Daily
100, 200 12-24 Yes Not
approved
for
ADHD
AB: ALE, APO, AURB, HIK,
MYL, ORC, WAT
Discontinued medications: Ritalin LA capsule (60mg); Ritalin SR tablets (20mg); Methylin Chewable tablets (2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg); Dexedrine tablets (5mg, 10mg); DextroStat
tablets (5mg, 10mg); LiquADD solution (5mg/mL)
*SPS: sodium polystyrene sulfonate is the ion exchange resin utilized;*SODAS: spheroidal oral drug absorption system; *OROS: osmotic controlled-release oral delivery system;
Daily dosing indicates total daily dose This dose may be divided; QD: once daily; BID: twice daily; TID: three times daily; QAM: in the morning; QHS: at bedtime
Codes for generic manufacturers
ABH: Abhai LLC
ACT: Actavis Laboratories FL INC
ACTE: Actavis Elizabeth LLC
ALE: Alembic LTD
ANC: Anchen Pharmaceuticals INC
APO: ApotexINC Etobicoke site
ASC: Ascent Pharmaceuticals INC
AUR: Aurolife Pharma LLC
AURB: Aurobindo Pharma LTD
AVA: AvanthiINC
BAR: Barr Laboratories INC
COR: Corepharma LLC
CLP: Country Line Pharmaceuticals LLC
HER: Heritage Pharma Labs INC
HIK: Hikma Pharmaceuticals
IMP: Impax Laboratories INC
INT: Intellipharmaceutics Corp
JAN: Janssen Pharmaceuticals INC
KRE: Kremers Urban Pharmaceuticals
MAL: Mallinckrodt INC
MAY: Mayne Pharma LLC
MIK: Mikart INC
MYL: Mylan Pharmaceuticals INC
NES: Nesher Pharmaceuticals USA LLC
NOS: Nostrum Laboratories INC
NOV: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp
NVL: Novel Laboratories INC
ORC: Orchid Healthcare
OUT: Outlook Pharmaceuticals INC
ROX: Roxane Laboratories INC
SAN: Sandoz INC
SUN: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries INC
TEV: Teva Pharmaceuticals USA
TRS: Tris Pharma INC
TWI: TWI Pharmaceuticals INC
UCB: UCB INC
VIN: Vintage Pharmaceuticals
WAT: Watson Laboratories INC
5. References:
American Academy of Pediatrics. Supplemental Information. Implementing the key action statements: an algorithm and explanatio n for process ofcare for the evaluation,
diagnosis,treatment, and monitoring of ADHD in children and adolescents.http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/suppl/2011/10/11/peds.2011-2654.DC
Product information for Ritalin and Ritalin-SR. Novartis Pharmaceuticals. East Hanover, NJ 07936. April 2015.
Product information for Focalin.Novartis Pharmaceuticals. East Hanover, NJ 07936. April 2015.
Product information for Focalin XR. Novartis Pharmaceuticals. East Hanover, NJ 07936. June 2015.
Product information for Methylin Chewable Tablets.Shionogi Pharma, Inc. Atlanta, GA 30328. December 2013.
Product information for Methylin Oral Solution.Shionogi Pharma, Inc. Atlanta, GA 30328. December 2013.
Product information for Metadate ER. UCB Inc. Smyrna, GA 30080. January 2014.
Product information for Concerta. Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Titusville, NJ 08560. September 2015.
Product information for Aptensio XR. Rhodes Pharmaceuticals L.P. Coventry, RI 02816. May 2015.
Product information for Quillichew ER. Pfizer Inc. New York, NY 10017. December 2015.
Product information for Daytrana. Noven Therapeutics,LLC. Miami, FL 33186. August 2015.
Product information for dextroamphetamine tablets. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. North Wales, PA 19454. September 2015.
Product information for ProCentra. Independence Pharmaceuticals LLC. Newport, KY 41071. September 2015.
Product information for Zenzedi. Arbor Pharmaceuticals, LLC. Atlanta, GA 30328. May 2015.
Product information for Desoxyn. Ovation Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Deerfield, IL 60015. March 2007.
Product information for Adderall XR. Shire US Inc. Wayne,PA 19087. December 2015.
Product information for Evekeo.Arbor Pharmaceuticals, LLC. Atlanta, GA 30328. November 2015.
Product information for Dexedrine Spansules.Amedra Pharmaceuticals, LLC. Middlesex, NJ 08846. October 2013.
Product information for Adzenys XR-ODT. Neos Therapeutics,L.P. Grand Prairie, TX 75050. January 2016.
Product information for Vyvanse. Shire US Inc. Wayne,PA 19087. December 2015.
6. Product information for Dyanavel XR. Tris Pharma, Inc. Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852. November 2015.
Product information for Intuniv.Shire US Inc. Wayne, PA 19087. December 2015.
Product information for Strattera.Eli Lilly and Company. Indianapolis, IN 46285. June 2015.
Product information for Kapvay.Concordia Pharmaceuticals Inc. Bridgetown, Barbados BB11128. January 2015.
Methylphenidate In: Lexi-Drugs [database on the Internet]. Hudson (OH). Lexi-Comp, Inc; 2007 [cited 27 Sept 2016].
Methamphetamine In: Lexi-Drugs [database on the Internet]. Hudson (OH). Lexi-Comp, Inc; 2007 [cited 27 Sept 2016].
Amphetamine In: Lexi-Drugs [database on the Internet]. Hudson (OH). Lexi-Comp, Inc; 2007 [cited 27 Sept 2016].
Dextroamphetamine In: Lexi-Drugs [database on the Internet]. Hudson (OH). Lexi-Comp, Inc; 2007 [cited 27 Sept 2016].
Modafinil In: Lexi-Drugs [database on the Internet]. Hudson (OH). Lexi-Comp, Inc; 2007 [cited 27 Sept 2016].
Bupropion In: Lexi-Drugs [database on the Internet]. Hudson (OH). Lexi-Comp, Inc; 2007 [cited 27 Sept 2016].
Clonidine In: Lexi-Drugs [database on the Internet]. Hudson (OH). Lexi-Comp, Inc; 2007 [cited 27 Sept 2016].
Atomoxetine In: Lexi-Drugs [database on the Internet]. Hudson (OH). Lexi-Comp, Inc; 2007 [cited 27 Sept 2016].
Guanfacine In: Lexi-Drugs [database on the Internet]. Hudson (OH). Lexi-Comp, Inc; 2007 [cited 27 Sept 2016].
Riviello, Ralph J. Manual of forensic emergency medicine: a guide for clinicians.Sudbury, Mass.:Jones and Bartlett Publishers. 2010. p. 41.
FDA. Orange book preface. Therapeutic equivalence-related terms. 36th edition. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/default.cfm. [cited 30 Sept 2016].
Elbe, Dean, Bezchlibnyk-Butler, Kalyna Z., and Virani, Adil S. Clinical Handbook ofPsychotropic Drugs for Children and Adolescents.Cambridge, MA: Hogrefe & Huber, 2007.
