Medication Information:
Pemoline (generic) ~ Cylert (brand) Classification: Central nervous system stimulant.
Common Usage: Pemoline is indicated for the treatment of
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also sometimes prescribed
for excessive daytime sleepiness (narcolepsy) in adults. Due to potential
severe liver problems with this medication, it should be used for ADHD only when
other medications are not effective. The safety and efficacy of pemoline
in children under six years of age has not been established. Important Side Effects:
Pemoline has been associated with life threatening liver failure. Pemoline
shsould not be used in patients with liver disease or abnormal liver function
tests. Patients should be monitored frequently and the physician should be
contacted should jaundice (yellowing of the skin) become evident.
Most frequent side effects
are dizziness; nervousness; insomnia (medication should be taken early in the
morning); increase in irritability; headache; weight loss; nausea, diarrhea
and/or upset stomach (take with food); and involuntary facial, tongue or eye
movements. Patients who suffer from Tourette's syndrome or who have
epilepsy may find that seizures or tics occur with increasing frequency or
severity. Patients with kidney failure may need to take a lower or less
frequent dose.
This is not a complete
list of all known or potential adverse effects. notify your physician of
any symptoms that have started since you began taking this medication, changing
its dose, or adding or changing another medication or diet. Take care when
performing any task (for example, driving or operating machinery) that requires
your attention until you have experience with this drug and are confident that
you can perform the task safely. Interactions with Other Medications: As with most other medication,
avoid mixing with alcohol. Although Cylert is not an amphetamine, it
should not be mixed with amphetamines or amphetamine-type drugs such as
phentermine (Fastin, Ionamin), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), Didrex, etc.
Patients taking medications for heart, blood pressure, glaucoma or an enlarged
prostate should be monitored carefully for any increase in problems with these
conditions. Patients using over-the-counter medication should be cautioned
about using items that contain ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine
(Sudafed, Dimetapp, and various allergy/cold/cough preps and diet aids) and
phenylephrine (nose sprays and eye drops). Health food stimulants, such as
Ma Huang, may make some side effect such as dizziness and nervousness worse.
This is not a complete
list of all known or potential drug interactions. To help prevent
avoidable problems, always make sure that all your physicians know all of the
medications you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs and any
dietary or herbal supplements or medications. CommonDosages: This medication is not commonly used anymore because of the
potential for increase in liver enzymes and potential liver failure, and because
of other long-acting medications for treating ADHD are available.
Improvement with this drug
is gradual, and may take 3 to 4 weeks before any change is evident. Does
usually start at 18.75 mg to 37.5 mg taken in the morning with food. The
dose may be gradually increased at one-week intervals of 18.75 mg, with the
usual range between 56.25 mg to 75 mg per day. The maximum recommended
dose of pemoline is 112.5 mg per day. In the elderly, doses should not
exceed 75 mg per day. Doses may be reduced in patients with chronic
problems (kidney, liver, etc.). Notify your prescriber or pharmacist if
you change your dose or discontinue this medication for any reason. Identification: Pemoline is available from several manufacturers in
18.75-, 37.5-, and 75- mg tablet strengths. The 37.5- mg strength is also
available in a chewable tablet. Check with your pharmacist for the
specific brand identification for your medication. Storage: Store this medication at normal room temperature (59° F to 86°
F) in a tightly closed, light- and moisture-resistant container. If you
have difficulty opening child-resistant containers, your pharmacist can provide
a container that is easier to open. Keep the medication out of direct
sunlight and avoid storing it in a warm or humid area - such as the bathroom or
kitchen - to prevent deterioration. To prevent accidental poisoning, keep
all medications out of the reach of children. Do not take an expired
medication. Do not transfer medication from one container to another.
Carefully discard discontinued medication where children cannot find it. Edited by
Lawrence H. Price M.D. ASERVICE OF…. Psychopharmacology Update
Note: These guidelines are for general information only.For more specific information, consult your physician orpharmacist. | 
