Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

PEMOLINE - ORAL

(PEM-oh-leen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cylert

WARNING: Pemoline should be used only after other treatments have failed. If this drug fails to work within a reasonable amount of time (within 3 weeks after ideal dosage has been determined) its use should be stopped. This medication has (on rare occasions) caused severe, even fatal liver problems. Problems may occur even many months after starting use of this drug. If you notice early signs of liver problems, stop using this medication and contact your doctor promptly. Early signs of liver problems: yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, severe stomach or abdominal pain, or unusual fatigue. Your doctor will monitor laboratory tests (e.g., liver function) before and during treatment. Your doctor should obtain a written consent form from you before you start treatment with this drug.

Uses

This medication is used for treating narcolepsy (problems staying awake). This medication is used in the management of attention deficit disorder in children if other medicines are not adequate.

How To Use

Take this medication in the morning as directed. This may be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. Do not increase the dose or take this more often than directed without first consulting your doctor. Your dosage may be adjusted based on your medical condition and response to therapy. After your final dose adjustment, you should notice improvement within 3 weeks. If no clear improvement is seen within 3 weeks, this drug should be stopped. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Your doctor may want to stop this medication occasionally to determine if it is still necessary.

Side Effects

Stomach upset, loss of appetite, weight loss, sleeplessness, headache, dizziness or irritability may occur the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your doctor if any of these effects persist or worsen. Promptly notify your doctor if you experience: uncontrollable movements of the face/tongue/lips/eyes, seizures, skin rash, hallucinations, yellowing of the eyes or skin, fever, stomach or abdominal pain, dark urine, unusual fatigue. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor if you have: liver problems, kidney disease, allergies (especially drug allergies). Long-term use of this medication may hinder growth. Discuss this with your doctor. Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication is found in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include vomiting, tremors, muscle twitching, convulsions, hallucinations, confusion, sweating, headache, and rapid pulse.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory tests (e.g., liver function) will be performed to monitor for drug side effects.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.