pemoline, drug information, ADHD, narcolepsy, cylert, cylert chewable

	Decreases overactivity and lengthens attention span in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is used as part of the total management plan that includes educational, social and psychological treatment.
	Management of narcolepsy. Because of potential for hepatic failure it is only used when other medications cannot be used.

What drug does:
Stimulates brain to improve alertness, concentration and attention span. Calms the hyperactive child. It is a dopamine agonist.

Dosage

For Narcolepsy:
Common initial dose - 18.75 mg once or twice daily
Usual maximal dose - 56.25 mg am and noon (to 150 mg daily in divided doses)

Overdose

Symptoms: Agitation, confusion, fast heartbeat, hallucinations, severe headache, high fever with sweating, large pupils, muscle twitching or trembling, uncontrolled eye or body movements, vomiting.

What To Do In Case of Overdose:

	Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately. Potential life threatening.
	If patient is unconscious and not breathing, give mouth-to-mouth breathing. If there is no heartbeat, use cardiac massage and mouth-to-mouth breathing (CPR). Don't try to make patient vomit. If you can't get help quickly, take patient to nearest emergency facility.

Side Effects

Possible Adverse Reactions Or Side Effects
Symptoms	What To Do
Life-threatening: Agitation, confusion, fast heartbeat, hallucinations, severe headache, high fever with sweating, large pupils, muscle twitching or trembling, uncontrolled eye or body movements, vomiting.	Potential life threatening overdose. See above.
Common: Trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, weight loss.	Continue taking medication. Call doctor when convenient.
Infrequent: Irritability, depression dizziness, headache, drowsiness, skin rash, stomach ache.	Continue taking medication. Call doctor when convenient.
Rare: Yellow skin or eyes; symptoms of overdose (agitation, confusion, fast heart- beat, hallucinations, severe headache, high fever with sweating, large pupils, muscle twitching or trembling, uncontrolled eye or body movements, vomiting).	Discontinue taking medication. Call doctor right away.

Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe for those over 60 than in younger persons.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take medication if:

You are allergic to pemoline.

Before you start taking the medication, consult your doctor if any of the following applies:

	You have liver disease.
	You have kidney disease.
	The patient is younger than 6 years.
	There is marked emotional instability.

Prolonged use

	Rare possibility of physical growth retardation.
	Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check liver function, growth charts.

Discontinuing

	Don't discontinue without consulting doctor. Dose may require gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long time. Doses of other drugs may also require adjustment.
	If you notice any of the following symptoms after discontinuing, notify your doctor: mental depression (severe), tiredness or weakness.

Miscellaneous

	Dose must be carefully adjusted by doctor. Don't give more or less than prescribed dose.
	Be sure you and the doctor discuss benefits and risks of this drug before starting
	Consult doctor if no improvement is noticed after 1 month of drug use.
	Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult about the use of this medicine.
	This medication has the potential for hepatotoxicity. Regular liver function evaluation is recommended.

Interactions

Possible Interaction With Other Drugs
Generic Name Or Drug Class	Combined Effect
Anticonvulsants	Dosage adjustment for anticonvulsant may be necessary.
Central nervous system (CNS) effects of both stimulants, other	May increase toxic drugs.

Possible Interaction With Other Substances
Interacts With	Combined Effect
Alcohol	More chance of depression. Avoid.
Beverages: Caffeine drinks.	Overstimulation. Avoid.
Cocaine	Convulsions or excessive nervousness.

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