What is pemoline?
Pemoline was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2005.
Pemoline stimulates the central nervous system (brain and nerves). The exact way that
pemoline work is unknown.
Pemoline is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Pemoline may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pemoline?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
You may not be able to take pemoline or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Pemoline is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to
harm an unborn baby. Do not take pemoline without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant.
It is also not known whether pemoline passes into breast milk. Do not take pemoline
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
The safety and effectiveness of pemoline for use by children younger than 6 years of
age have not been established.
How should I take pemoline?
Take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain the instructions to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Pemoline is usually taken once a day in the morning. Follow your doctor's instructions.
In rare cases, pemoline has caused severe liver damage resulting in death or liver
transplant. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain,
unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes, itching, clay-colored stools, or dark urine.
These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage. Before taking pemoline, you will be
required to discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of this medicine and to sign an
informed consent stating that you understand these risks and benefits. Also, your doctor will need
to monitor your liver function with blood tests before starting therapy with pemoline, and every
two weeks thereafter.
Store pemoline at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of pemoline?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose.
Do
not
take a double dose of this medication.
Where can I get more information about pemoline?
Your pharmacist has information about pemoline written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of pemoline?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking pemoline and
seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately:
-
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
-
liver damage (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual
fatigue, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes, itching, clay-colored stools, or dark urine)
-
seizures;
-
unusual behavior, confusion, or hallucinations; or
-
unusual movements of the tongue, lips, face, or arms and
legs.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue
to take pemoline and talk to your doctor if you experience
-
insomnia (difficulty sleeping);
-
nervousness, headache, or drowsiness;
-
mild depression; or
-
nausea, decreased appetite, or weight loss.
Pemoline is habit forming and may cause drug dependence. Do
not stop taking it suddenly.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any
side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What is the most important information I should know about pemoline?
Pemoline was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2005.
In rare cases, pemoline has caused severe liver damage resulting in death or liver
transplant. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain,
unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes, itching, clay-colored stools, or dark urine.
These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage. Before taking pemoline, you will be
required to discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of this medicine and to sign an
informed consent stating that you understand these risks and benefits. Also, your doctor will need
to monitor your liver function with blood tests before starting therapy with pemoline, and every
two weeks thereafter.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Pemoline may cause dizziness or impair your ability to concentrate. If you experience
dizziness or impaired concentration, avoid these activities.
What should I avoid while taking pemoline?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Pemoline may cause dizziness or impair your ability to concentrate. If you experience
dizziness or impaired concentration, avoid these activities.
What other drugs will affect pemoline?
Before taking pemoline, tell your doctor if you take any medicine to control a seizure
disorder. There may be an increased risk of seizures when pemoline is taken with antiepileptic
medications.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with pemoline. Talk to your doctor
and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
What happens if I have an overdose of pemoline?