Description

Advantages
The only Extended-Release liquid preparation of methylphenidate. It is easier to swallow, and easier to fine- tune a dose by using a marked dropper or medication cup. This can result in maximum effect and minimum side effects. Lasts longer than many other XR release medications.

Disadvantages
Expensive and not usually covered by insurance. Do not mix with other liquids or food.

Excerpt from the book: ADHD Medications: Does It Work and Is It Save? Available on Amazon

Quillivant XR is the only extended-release liquid preparation of methylphenidate approved for the treatment of ADHD. There had been liquid preparations of methylphenidate before Quillivant XR, but they were simply methylphenidate suspended in a syrup (e.g., Methylin liq- uid). Such liquid preparations were a big advantage for young children who could not swallow a pill, but the methylphenidate only lasted four hours, requiring multiple doses during the day. It can be very difficult for children in school to get a dose around noon, because schools are reluctant to dose liquid medications.

Quillivant XR uses the LiquiXR technology. Methylphenidate is bound to microscopic resin particles, which come in three forms. The uncoated resin particles release the medication into the stomach almost immediately and allow for effective medication treatment within the first half hour. The two remaining resin particles are coated, some with a small amount of coating, others with a larger coating. As the coating dissolves, the two different coated particles release the methylphenidate gradually over 8–12 hours.

Quillivant ER Liquid has two advantages over pill preparations of methylphenidate:

  1. Quilivant XR is easier to swallow than a pill, although some younger children may still have difficulty swallowing from a spoon.
  2. Quillivant XR is one of the best methylphenidate medica- tions for children who are very sensitive to dose. In the sec- tion above on Daytrana, we discussed how for some children a 10mg dose of Metadate CD or Ritalin LA might have no effect, but the next dose up, 15 mg, might be too much medi- cation, reducing appetite or making it difficult for the child to fall asleep. By using a dropper or a marked medication cup, the dose of liquid Quillivant XR can be customized specifically for each child.

Quillivant should not be mixed with water, milk, or other liquids. If a child does not drink every drop of the water or milk, you cannot be sure that he or she is getting the prescribed dose.

The biggest disadvantage to Quillivant XR is that it is expensive, about $300 for a month’s prescription. It does not come in a generic yet, and is not usually covered by insurance.