Trusted Pharmacy Blog|New Drugs, Drug News, Health, Medications, Diseases

Preschoolers with Attention/Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are not likely to respond to treatment with the stimulant methylphenidate (e.g., Concerta, McNeil Pediatrics), regardless of the dosage, if they also have three or more coexisting disorders.

These findings were revealed in an analysis from the Preschoolers with ADHD Treatment Study (PATS). Previous PATS results showed that overall, low doses of methylphenidate were safe and effective in treating ADHD drug in children between three and five years of age.

Read the rest of this entry »

The FDA has approved a label change for a once-daily therapy for attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The label for lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse) will now include data showing significant symptom control in children six to 12 years of age from the first time point measured (1.5 hours) through 13 hours after the dose is taken.

With this approval, Vyvanse becomes the first oral ADHD drug stimulant to have 13-hour post-dose efficacy data for pediatric patients included in its labeling.

Source: Shire, June 1, 2009

In a new study, children and teenagers who took stimulants such as methylphenidate for attention-deficit hyper-activity disorder (AHD) appeared to be at an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. However, the FDA says the study has limitations and should not change the way the drugs such as Ritalin (Novartis) are used. Although the risk of sudden death is small, the study raises concerns about children with undiagnosed heart conditions.

Read the rest of this entry »

Shire’s Intuniv (guanfacine), a selective alpha2A receptor agonist, has been approved for the treatment of attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The product is indicated for children and adolescents 6 to 17 years of age and is expected to be available in November.

Read the rest of this entry »