Importance of pharmacokinetic profile and timing of coadministration of short- and long-acting formulations of methylphenidate on patterns of subjective responses and abuse potential

Prediction of Carboxylesterase 1-mediated In Vivo Drug Interaction between Methylphenidate and Cannabinoids using Static and Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Models

The use of cannabis products has increased substantially. Cannabis products have been perceived and investigated as potential treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Accordingly, co-administration of cannabis products and methylphenidate (MPH), a first-line medication for ADHD, is possible. Oral MPH undergoes extensive presystemic metabolism by carboxylesterase 1 (CES1), a hepatic enzyme which can be inhibited by two prominent cannabinoids, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). This prompts further investigation into the likelihood of clinical interactions between MPH and these two cannabinoids through CES1 inhibition. In the present study, inhibition parameters were obtained from a human liver S9 system and then incorporated into static and physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for prediction of potential clinical significance. The inhibition of MPH hydrolysis by THC and CBD was reversible, with estimated unbound inhibition constants (Ki,u) of 0.031 and 0.091 µM, respectively. The static model predicted a mild increase in MPH exposure by concurrent THC (34%) and CBD (94%) from smoking a cannabis cigarette and ingestion of prescriptive CBD, respectively. PBPK models suggested no significant interactions between single doses of MPH and CBD (2.5 - 10 mg/kg) when administered simultaneously, while a mild interaction (area under drug concentration-time curve increased by up to 55% and maximum concentration by up to 45%) is likely if multiple doses of CBD (10 mg/kg twice daily) are administered. In conclusion, the pharmacokinetic disposition of MPH can be potentially influenced by THC and CBD under certain clinical scenarios. Whether the magnitude of predicted interactions translates into clinically relevant outcomes requires verification in an appropriately designed clinical study. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This work demonstrated a potential mechanism of drug-drug interactions between methylphenidate (MPH) and two major cannabinoids (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol [THC] and cannabidiol [CBD]) not previously reported. We predicted a mild interaction between MPH and THC when the cannabinoid exposure occurred via cannabis smoking. Mild interactions between MPH and CBD were predicted with multiple oral administrations of CBD.

Dasotraline in ADHD: novel or me too drug?

INTRODUCTION

A 'holy grail' of treatment options for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been an agent with low abuse potential and peak-trough clinical effects, providing sustained therapeutic benefits throughout the day. One such agent, dasotraline, a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor agent, was recently reviewed by the FDA. Areas covered: The authors completed a timely drug review using a PubMed literature search using words 'Dasotraline, ADHD' 'stimulant, abuse' 'atomoxetine, ADHD.' FDA fact sheets of available medications were reviewed for comparison of safety and tolerability data. The authors reviewed preclinical, efficacy, and safety trials of dasotraline in ADHD: two phase 1, one phase 2, and several phase 3 trials have established efficacy in reducing ADHD symptoms. Expert opinion: Due to its stable plasma concentrations with once-daily dosing, dasotraline could have sustained treatment benefits for ADHD, with low abuse potential and a stable therapeutic response over a 24-h period.

Ethanol Interactions With Dexmethylphenidate and dl-Methylphenidate Spheroidal Oral Drug Absorption Systems in Healthy Volunteers

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Ethanol coadministered with immediate-release dl-methylphenidate (dl-MPH) or dexmethylphenidate (d-MPH) significantly increases the geomean maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of d-MPH 22% and 15%, respectively, and elevates overall drug exposure and psychostimulant effects. We asked the question: Are these ethanol-MPH interactions based more fundamentally on (1) inhibition of postabsorption d-MPH metabolism or (2) acceleration of MPH formulation gastric dissolution by ethanol in the stomach? This was investigated using the pulsatile, distinctly biphasic, spheroidal oral drug absorption systems of dl-MPH and d-MPH.

METHODS

In a randomized, 4-way crossover study, 14 healthy subjects received pulsatile dl-MPH (40 mg) or d-MPH (20 mg), with or without ethanol (0.6 g/kg), dosed 4 hours later. These 4 hours allowed the delayed-release second MPH pulse to reach a more distal region of the gut to preclude gastric biopharmaceutical influences. Plasma was analyzed using a highly sensitive chiral method. Subjective/physiological effects were recorded.

FINDINGS/RESULTS

Ethanol increased the second pulse of d-MPH Cmax for dl-MPH by 35% (P < 0.01) and the partial area under the plasma concentration curve from 4 to 8 hours by 25% (P < 0.05). The respective values for enantiopure d-MPH were 27% (P = 0.001) and 20% (P < 0.01). The carboxylesterase 1-mediated transesterification metabolite ethylphenidate served as a biomarker for coexposure. Ethanol significantly potentiated stimulant responses to either formulation.

IMPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS

These findings support drug dispositional interactions between ethanol and MPH as dominant over potential biopharmaceutical considerations. Understanding the pharmacology underlying the frequent coabuse of MPH-ethanol provides rational guidance in the selection of first-line pharmacotherapy for comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder-alcohol use disorder.

Assessment of human abuse potential of dasotraline compared to methylphenidate and placebo in recreational stimulant users

AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the abuse potential of dasotraline, a novel dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor with slow absorption (tmax, 10-12h) and elimination (t1/2=47-77 h) that is in development for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

METHODS

Recreational stimulant users (N=48) who had specific experience with cocaine, and who were able to distinguish methylphenidate (60 mg) versus placebo in a qualification session, were randomized, in a 6-period, double-blind, crossover design, to receive single doses of dasotraline 8 mg, 16 mg, and 36 mg, methylphenidate (MPH) 40 mg and 80 mg, and placebo. The primary endpoint was the Drug Liking Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score at the time of peak effect (Emax).

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the 3 doses of dasotraline and placebo on the drug liking VAS at Emax, and on most secondary endpoints. Both doses of MPH had significantly higher VAS-drug liking scores at Emax relative to both placebo (P<0.001 for all comparisons) and dasotraline 8 mg (P<0.001), 16 mg (P<0.001) and 36 mg (P<0.01). The increase in heart rate for MPH and dasotraline 36 mg showed a time-course that closely matched subject-rated measures such as Any Effects VAS.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, dasotraline was found to have low potential for abuse, which may be, in part, related to its established pharmacokinetics (PK) profile, which is characterized by slow absorption and gradual elimination.

Dasotraline for the Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Proof-of-Concept Trial in Adults

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity associated with clinically significant impairment in functioning. ADHD has an early onset, but frequently persists, with a prevalence estimate of 4% in adults. Dasotraline is a novel compound that is a potent inhibitor of dopamine and norepinephrine transporters that achieves stable plasma concentrations with once-daily dosing. In this study, adult outpatients meeting DSM-IV-TR criteria for ADHD were randomized to 4 weeks of double-blind, once-daily treatment with dasotraline 4 and 8 mg/day or placebo. The primary efficacy end point was change from baseline at week 4 in the ADHD Rating Scale, Version IV (ADHD RS-IV) total score. Secondary efficacy end points included the Clinical Global Impression, Severity (CGI-S) scale, modified for ADHD symptoms. Least squares (LS) mean improvements at week 4 in ADHD RS-IV total score were significantly greater for dasotraline 8 mg/day vs placebo (-13.9 vs -9.7; P=0.019), and nonsignificantly greater for 4 mg/day (-12.4; P=0.076). The LS mean improvements in modified CGI-S were significantly greater at week 4 for dasotraline 8 mg/day vs placebo (-1.1 vs -0.7; P=0.013), and for 4 mg/day vs placebo (-1.1 vs -0.7; P=0.021). The most frequent adverse events reported were insomnia, decreased appetite, nausea, and dry mouth. Discontinuations due to treatment-emergent adverse events were 10.3% and 27.8% of patients in 4 and 8 mg/day treatment groups, respectively. This study provides preliminary evidence that once-daily dosing with dasotraline, a long-acting, dual monoamine reuptake inhibitor, may be a safe and efficacious treatment for adult ADHD.

Ethylphenidate as a selective dopaminergic agonist and methylphenidate-ethanol transesterification biomarker

We review the pharmaceutical science of ethylphenidate (EPH) in the contexts of drug discovery, drug interactions, biomarker for dl-methylphenidate (MPH)-ethanol exposure, potentiation of dl-MPH abuse liability, contemporary "designer drug," pertinence to the newer transdermal and chiral switch MPH formulations, as well as problematic internal standard. d-EPH selectively targets the dopamine transporter, whereas d-MPH exhibits equipotent actions at dopamine and norepinephrine transporters. This selectivity carries implications for the advancement of tailored attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) pharmacotherapy in the era of genome-based diagnostics. Abuse of dl-MPH often involves ethanol coabuse. Carboxylesterase 1 enantioselectively transesterifies l-MPH with ethanol to yield l-EPH accompanied by significantly increased early exposure to d-MPH and rapid potentiation of euphoria. The pharmacokinetic component of this drug interaction can largely be avoided using dexmethylphenidate (dexMPH). This notwithstanding, maximal potentiated euphoria occurs following dexMPH-ethanol. C57BL/6 mice model dl-MPH-ethanol interactions: an otherwise depressive dose of ethanol synergistically increases dl-MPH stimulation; a substimulatory dose of dl-MPH potentiates a low, stimulatory dose of ethanol; ethanol elevates blood, brain, and urinary d-MPH concentrations while forming l-EPH. Integration of EPH preclinical neuropharmacology with clinical studies of MPH-ethanol interactions provides a translational approach toward advancement of ADHD personalized medicine and management of comorbid alcohol use disorder.

Differential influences of ethanol on early exposure to racemic methylphenidate compared with dexmethylphenidate in humans

Enantioselective hydrolysis of oral racemic methylphenidate (dl-MPH) by carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) limits the absolute bioavailability of the pharmacologically active d-MPH isomer to approximately 30% and that of the inactive l-MPH to only 1-2%. Coadministration of dl-MPH with ethanol results in elevated d-MPH plasma concentrations accompanied by CES1-mediated enantioselective transesterification of l-MPH to l-ethylphenidate (EPH). The present study tested the hypothesis that administration of the pure isomer dexmethylphenidate (d-MPH) will overcome the influence of ethanol on d-MPH absorption by eliminating competitive CES1-mediated presystemic metabolism of l-MPH to l-EPH. Twenty-four healthy volunteers received dl-MPH (0.3 mg/kg) or d-MPH (0.15 mg/kg), with or without ethanol (0.6 g/kg). During the absorption phase of dl-MPH, concomitant ethanol significantly elevated d-MPH plasma concentrations (44-99%; P < 0.005). Furthermore, immediately following the ethanol drink the subjective effects of "high," "good," "like," "stimulated," and overall "effect" were significantly potentiated (P ≤ 0.01). Plasma l-EPH concentrations exceeded those of l-MPH. Ethanol combined with pure d-MPH did not elevate plasma d-MPH concentrations during the absorption phase, and the ethanol-induced potentiation of subjective effects was delayed relative to dl-MPH-ethanol. These findings are consistent with l-MPH competitively inhibiting presystemic CES1 metabolism of d-MPH. Ethanol increased the d-MPH area under the curve (AUC)(0-inf) by 21% following dl-MPH (P < 0.001) and 14% for d-MPH (P = 0.001). In men receiving d-MPH-ethanol, the d-MPH absorption partial AUC(0.5-2 hours) was 2.1 times greater and the time to maximum concentration (T(max)) occurred 1.1 hours earlier than in women, consistent with an increased rate of d-MPH absorption reducing hepatic extraction. More rapid absorption of d-MPH carries implications for increased abuse liability.