Efficacy of Methylphenidate Hydrochloride controlled-release tablets on Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children / 医药导报

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of methylphenidate hydrochloride controlled-release tablets (OROS-MPH) on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods Seventy-two cases of children with ADHD were randomly divided into treatment group (40) and control group (32). Cases of treatment group were given 0.8-1.0 mg??kg-1 of OROS-MPH for three months. Cases of control group were given 1.2-1.4 mg??kg-1 of atomoxetine hydrochloride for three months. After 12 weeks treatment, children were evaluated by Wechsler intelligence test, Integrated visual and auditory continuous performance test (IVA-CPT), the SNAP-Ⅳ effect assessment scale and TESS scale. Results The treatment efficiency was similar in both groups. Attention deficit and hyperactivity in both groups were improved obviously. Wechsler intelligence score was significantly elevated ( P<0. 05), SNAP-Ⅳ score was significantly decreased ( P<0. 05), and IVA-CPT score was increased significantly after treatment ( P<0.05) . The changes of scores on hyperactivity, auditory attention and visual attention were more in OROS-MPH group than those in atomoxetine group(P<0.05). There was loss of appetite in 10 children of OROS-MPH group and in 14 children of atomoxetine group. There was drowsiness in 1 child of OROS-MPH group and in 5 children of atomoxetine group, as well as difficulty to fall asleep in 6 children of OROS-MPH group and 1 child of atomoxetine group (P<0.05). One child developed a transient spasm after 4-month treatment. Conclusion Both of OROS-MPH and atomoxetine hydrochloride can improve learning ability and the symptom of attention deficit and hyperactivity, and they are similarly effective and safe in children with ADHD, but OROS-MPH can work faster.