A double-blind, randomized, placebo/active controlled crossover evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Ritalin ® LA in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in a laboratory classroom setting

Abstract

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to demonstrate efficacy of Ritalin(®) LA 20 mg by showing superiority to placebo and noninferiority to Medikinet(®) Retard in a laboratory classroom setting. Secondary objectives included safety/tolerability and further efficacy parameters.

Methods: A total of 147 children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosed by the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS) and aged 6-14 (81% males) and known to be methylphenidate (MPH) responders were enrolled in this multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo/active-controlled, three-period (7 days each) crossover study. The Swanson, Kotlin, Agler, M-Flynn, and Pelham (SKAMP) scale was used for efficacy ratings. The mean of SKAMP Combined ratings performed at 10:30 a.m., at 12:00 a.m., and at 1:30 p.m. was defined as the primary parameter.

Results: In all, 146 patients completed all treatment periods. Intensity and frequency of adverse events were comparable between the two formulations. Ritalin(®) LA demonstrated superiority compared to placebo (p<0.0001). The observed difference in the SKAMP scores between Ritalin(®) LA and Medikinet(®) Retard between the hours 1.5 until 4.5 did not exceed the noninferiority margin (p=0.0003); therefore, the difference is regarded as not clinically relevant. Similar results were obtained for the secondary efficacy variables.

Conclusion: Ritalin(®) LA is an efficacious, well-tolerated treatment option for children aged 6-14 with ADHD.