From the Guidelines
Biphentin, a brand name for methylphenidate hydrochloride, is a central nervous system stimulant medication primarily used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children, adolescents, and adults, with typical starting doses of 10-20mg once daily for children and adolescents, and 10-40mg for adults, taken in the morning, with dosage adjustments made based on individual response and tolerability 1.
Key Points
- Biphentin works by increasing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine, which helps improve attention, focus, and behavioral control.
- It is a controlled-release formulation that provides symptom control throughout the day with a single morning dose.
- Common side effects include decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, headache, and increased heart rate or blood pressure.
- Patients should take Biphentin exactly as prescribed, avoid crushing or chewing the capsules, and be monitored regularly for effectiveness and side effects.
- Biphentin should not be used with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and requires careful consideration in patients with heart problems, high blood pressure, or a history of substance abuse.
Dosage and Administration
- The dosage of Biphentin should be individualized according to the needs and responses of the patient.
- The recommended starting dose for children and adolescents is 10-20mg once daily, taken in the morning, with dosage adjustments made based on individual response and tolerability.
- The recommended starting dose for adults is 10-40mg once daily, taken in the morning, with dosage adjustments made based on individual response and tolerability.
Special Considerations
- Biphentin is not recommended for use in children under 6 years of age, as the safety and efficacy of the medication in this age group have not been established 1.
- Biphentin should be used with caution in patients with a history of substance abuse, as it has the potential for abuse and dependence.
- Biphentin should be used with caution in patients with heart problems, high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular conditions, as it can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Biphentin Overview
- Biphentin is not directly mentioned in the provided studies, however, the studies discuss the effects of various medications used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Medications for ADHD
- Methylphenidate, amphetamines, and atomoxetine are commonly prescribed medications for ADHD, and their cardiovascular safety has been examined in several studies 2, 3, 5.
- These medications have been found to cause minor increases in blood pressure and heart rate, but the evidence is not strong enough to suggest a significant increase in the risk of sudden death 2, 3, 5.
Comparative Efficacy of Medications
- A comparative study of methylphenidate and atomoxetine found that both medications were effective in improving emotional and behavioral problems in youths with ADHD, with methylphenidate showing greater improvement in aggressive behavior and somatic complaints 6.
- Another study compared the cardiovascular safety of various medications for ADHD, including amphetamines, atomoxetine, and methylphenidate, and found that all of these medications led to increments in haemodynamic values in children and adolescents, adults, or both 3.
Safety and Tolerability
- The safety and tolerability of combined methylphenidate and atomoxetine pharmacotherapy have been investigated, and the results suggest that this combination is effective and well-tolerated in patients with ADHD 4.
- However, the most common side effects of this combination therapy were irritability, appetite reduction, palpitations, and headache 4.