What is Onyda XR prescribed for?
ONYDA XR (Clonidine Hydrochloride) is indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as monotherapy (using a single drug for a disease) and as adjunctive therapy (an additional treatment used alongside primary therapy to enhance effectiveness) to central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medications in pediatric patients 6 years of age and older.
What is the name of the drug and what does it do?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new liquid medication called Onyda XR for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for pediatric patients aged 6 and older.
This medication is the first of its kind, offering a once-daily, extended-release formula (releases its active ingredients slowly over time, allowing for less frequent dosing) that can be taken orally.
ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a brain development condition marked by persistent challenges with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Individuals with ADHD may struggle with focus, organization, and impulse control, impacting various aspects of daily life.
How does it work?
Onyda XR is a new medicine that can help kids aged 6 and above who have ADHD by regulating alpha2-adrenergic receptors in the brain, which manage the release of neurotransmitters that play a role controlling attention, impulses, hyperactivity, and stress responses.
It can be used in two different ways: either as the only medicine a child takes for ADHD, or along with other medicines that affect the central nervous system to make them work better.
This means that Onyda XR can be used on its own, or together with other approved medicines for ADHD.
Onyda XR can be a good option for kids who experience more symptoms and side effects when taking other types of ADHD medicines, such as stimulant medications, providing relief for kids who may not have had success with other treatments.
If you or someone you know has ADHD, talk to your doctor to see if Onyda XR might be a good fit for you.
What did the research discover?
In this research, two studies were carried out on clonidine hydrochloride extended-release, a medication for kids with ADHD.
This medicine releases a chemical called clonidine, which helps lower blood pressure by making blood vessels more relaxed and reducing the heart’s effort in pumping blood.
This way, the heart can easily and effectively pump blood. In Study 1, they tried specific doses of clonidine and noticed common side effects like feeling sleepy, tired, and grouchy.
Some kids even had to stop taking the medicine because of sleepiness and fatigue.
Study 2 checked how clonidine worked when used with another medicine called a stimulant.
They found similar side effects like feeling sleepy, tired, having less appetite, and feeling dizzy.
One child had to stop taking the medicine due to severe fatigue and slow thinking.
Both studies also looked at how clonidine affected blood pressure and heart rate, noticing some changes during the treatment and when reducing the medicine.
What are some of the side effects?
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Nightmare
- Insomnia
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Decreased appetite
- Dizziness
What are the dosage recommendations and how is it prescribed?
The starting dose is 0.1 mg taken once a day orally at bedtime with or without food.
Source:
- FDA Approves First Liquid Non Stimulant ADHD Treatment [Internet]. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 2024 May 24.
