A Milestone Moment: FDA Approves Addyi® for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Postmenopausal Women
December 17, 2025
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Brand Name :
Focalin, Focalin XR
Synonyms :
dexmethylphenidate
Class :
Stimulants; ADHD Agents
Dosage forms & Strengths:
Adult:
Tablet
5 mg
2.5 mg
10 mg
Extended-release capsule
15 mg
5 mg
10 mg
25 mg
20 mg
30 mg
40 mg
35 mg
Dosage forms & Strengths:
Tablet
5 mg
2.5 mg
10 mg
Extended-release capsule
15 mg
5 mg
10 mg
25 mg
20 mg
30 mg
40 mg
35 mg
Refer to the adult dosing
dexmedetomidine: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
dexmedetomidine: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
dexmedetomidine: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
dexmedetomidine: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
dexmedetomidine: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antihypertensive agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antihypertensive agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antihypertensive agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antihypertensive agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antihypertensive agents
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with dexmethylphenidate
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with dexmethylphenidate
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with dexmethylphenidate
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with dexmethylphenidate
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with dexmethylphenidate
dexmethylphenidate: they may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with antihypertensive drugs
It may enhance the risk of nephrotoxicity when combined with phenylbutazone
dexmethylphenidate: it may decrease the antihypertensive activities of phentolamine
Actions and Spectrum:
dexmethylphenidate works by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. It can help improve attention and focus.
>10%:
Anxiety (5-11%)
Headache (25-39%)
Restlessness (12%)
Abdominal pain (15%)
Insomnia (5-17%)
1-10%:
Fever (5%)
Dizziness (6%)
Nausea (9%)
Mood swings (<3%)
Pruritus (<3%)
Irritability (5%)
Dyspepsia (5-9%)
Pharyngolaryngeal pain (4-7%)
Black Box Warning:
It is essential to follow the dosage and administration instructions for the medication carefully.
Contraindication/Caution:
dexmethylphenidate should not be used in people hypersensitive to the drug itself.
Pregnancy consideration:
No adverse effects are reported in pregnant women.
Breastfeeding warnings:
No adverse effects are reported in breastfeeding women. But monitor the breastfeeding infants for any ADRs like insomnia, agitation, reduced weight, and anorexia.
Pregnancy category:
Pharmacology
dexmethylphenidate is a stimulant medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It is a stereoisomer of methylphenidate. It works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. It further improves attention and decreases impulsiveness and hyperactivity.
Pharmacodynamics:
In the case of dexmethylphenidate, it acts as a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, meaning that it blocks the reuptake of dopamine back into the nerve cells. Doing so increases the amount of dopamine available in the brain, leading to improved attention, focus, and impulse control. Additionally, it also acts as a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.
Pharmacokinetics:
Pharmacokinetics studies how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body. The following parameters can describe the pharmacokinetics of dexmethylphenidate
Absorption
Pharmacokinetics studies the movement of drugs throughout the body, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination processes.
The bioavailability of the drug is about 20-25%.
dexmethylphenidate is rapidly absorbed following oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 1-2 hours
Distribution
The volume of distribution is 1.54-3.76 L/kg
12-25% is the bound protein
Metabolism
It is metabolized primarily by the liver, with the major metabolite being the inactive D-enantiomer.
Elimination and excretion
The drug’s half-life is 2-4.5 hours, primarily excreted in the urine and less than 10% in feces.
Administration:
Take the dose orally once daily. Do not crush or chew the tablet.
Patient information leaflet
Generic Name: dexmethylphenidate
Pronounced: dex-meth-yl fen-i-date
Why do we use dexmethylphenidate?
dexmethylphenidate is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
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