The FDA has approved the first amphetamine transdermal patch for treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among adults and children aged 6 years or older.
The dextroamphetamine patch, marketed as Xelstrym, is applied for up to 9 hours, takes effect after 2 hours, and remains effective for up to 12 hours. It is designed to give clinicians and patients more control over dosing time to better fit their schedules and optimize treatment benefits, according to a statement by manufacturer Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The new patch is the second transdermal treatment for ADHD; the FDA approved a methylphenidate stimulant patch marketed as Daytrana in 2006 containing the same active ingredient as Ritalin.