| Summary: | Medications to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents are available in short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting formulations of methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (e.g., Dexedrine) are generally given two to three times daily. They have been shown to be effective in reducing ADHD symptoms and provide dosing flexibility. Compared with short-acting formulations, long-acting formulations are given less frequently, but are more expensive and are not covered in all insurance plans. Recommendations about the use of long- or short-acting formulations are largely derived from expert opinion of best practices. Discourse on the use of long-acting formulations have centred on the following issues: compliance, social stigma, in-school dosing, and drug diversion. In 2010, publicly funded drug plans in Canada spent more than $35 million on long-acting formulations, which represented 77% of total expenditures on ADHD medications. As expenditures on ADHD medications continue to rise, health care decision-makers require evidence-based information on the issue of selecting the most appropriate formulation for treating ADHD in children and adolescents
|
|---|