PAD Refills
Last updated on June 4, 2025June 2025
Split, open, sprinkle: navigating ADHD medication formulations
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Conclusion: Several ADHD medication formulations can be split or opened when tablets or capsules cannot be swallowed whole. The table below identifies which products can be modified in this way. Formulations which cannot be modified are excluded from the table and include: methylphenidate sustained release tablets (generics of Ritalin SR®), methylphenidate extended release (Concerta®), atomoxetine (generics of Strattera®) and guanfacine extended release (Intuniv XR® and generics). One product is available in a chewable formulation (Vyvanse® chewable tablets, generics).
The BC Provincial Academic Detailing (PAD) service’s archived topic, Medications for ADHD, compares different methylphenidate and amphetamine formulations, including an ADHD medications drug table with information on dose response and administration recommendations.1
| Brand Name2 | Dosage form2 | Comments2 | Wholesale cost for 30 days3 | BC coverage4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methylphenidate formulations | ||||
| Ritalin® | IR tablets |
|
generic: $10-$35 brand: none |
Regular benefit |
| Biphentin® | CR capsules |
|
generic: $25-$140 brand: $30-$200 |
Non benefit |
| Foquest® | CR capsules |
|
generic: none brand: $95-$165 |
Non benefit |
| Quillivant ER® | chewable tablets oral supension |
|
generic: none brand tabs: $90-$195 brand susp: $80-$200 |
Non benefit |
| Amphetamine formulations | ||||
| Dexedrine® | IR tablets |
|
generic: $10-$135 brand: $15-$215 |
Regular benefit |
| Dexedrine Spansule® | SR capsules |
|
generic: $30-$115 brand: $40-$160 |
Regular benefit |
| Adderall XR® | ER capsules |
|
generic: $20-$30 brand: $80-$135 |
Limited coverage |
| Vyvanse® | capsules |
|
generic: $20-$45 brand: $75-$185 |
Limited coverage |
| IR: immediate release; ER/XR: extended release; SR: sustained release; DR: delayed release Table does not include products that are recommended to only swallow whole (not cut, crush, chew, or open) |
||||
1BC PAD Service Medications for ADHD: Focus on drug information (January 2024 update); 2Health Canada Drug Product Database; 3McKesson.ca; 4BC PharmaCare Formulary; 5Paladin Labs Inc. medical information request, Ref: PAL-12052022-2444 response May 18, 2022.
Please visit www.bcpad.ca to book a session with the academic detailing pharmacist in your area
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