$Unique_ID{BRK03270}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{pemoline}
$Subject{Cylert Abbott Stimulant pemoline central nervous system brain spinal
cord stimulant attention deficit disorders hyperkinetic syndrome hyperactivity
attention span children}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


pemoline
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Cylert (Abbott)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Stimulant

INGREDIENT

     pemoline

DOSAGE FORMS

     Tablets (18.75 mg, 37.5 mg, and 75 mg)
     Chewable tablets (37.5 mg)

STORAGE

     Pemoline should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
container.

USES

     Pemoline is a central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) stimulant
that is used to treat attention deficit disorders (hyperkinetic syndrome).  It
is not yet clear how pemoline works to improve behavioral disorders in
children, but it seems to decrease hyperactivity and increase attention span.

TREATMENT

     Pemoline can be taken either on an empty stomach or with food or milk (as
directed by your doctor).  The chewable tablet form of this medication can be
either chewed or swallowed whole.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose of this medication.
     You may not observe the full therapeutic benefits of this medication for
three to four weeks.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, insomnia, irritability, loss of
appetite, nausea, stomachache, or weight loss.  These side effects should
disappear as your body adjusts to the drug.
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
convulsions; depression; hallucinations; palpitations; skin rash; unusual
movements of the tongue, lips, face, hands, or feet; or yellowing of the eyes
or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Pemoline should not interact with other medications if it is used
according to the directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to pemoline.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had kidney disease, liver disease, or mental
disorders.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous machinery.  Children who are taking this drug should be
cautious while playing.
     * This medication has the potential for abuse and must be used with
caution.  It should, therefore, not be taken in larger doses or for longer
periods than prescribed by your doctor.  In addition, you should not stop
taking pemoline unless you first check with your doctor.  Stopping the drug
abruptly can lead to a withdrawal reaction.  Your doctor may, therefore, want
to reduce the dosage gradually.
     * Your doctor may want to interrupt pemoline therapy occasionally for
short periods ("drug holidays") to see if the symptoms of the attention
deficit disorder have disappeared.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although pemoline
appears to be safe, extensive studies in humans during pregnancy have not been
conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  It is
not known whether pemoline passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.