Brand & Generic Names
Basic Information
- Habit forming? Yes
- Prescription needed? Yes
- Available as generic? No
- Drug class: Central nervous system stimulant
Uses
- Decreases overactivity and lengthens attention span in
hyperactive children.
- Treatment of minimal brain dysfunction.
Dosage & Usage Information
How to take:
Tablet--Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach
irritation. If you can't swallow whole, crumble tablet and take
with liquid or food.
Chewable tablets--Chew well before swallowing.
When to take:
At the same times each day.
If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours
late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't
double this dose).
What drug does:
Stimulates brain to improve alertness, concentration and
attention span. Calms the hyperactive child.
Time lapse before drug works:
1 month or more for maximum effect on child.
30 minutes to stimulate adults.
Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Overdose
SYMPTOMS:
Rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, fever, confusion,
convulsions, coma.
WHAT TO DO:
- Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or
medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
- 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.
- See EMERGENCY Information.
Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects
Life-threatening:
In case of overdose, see Overdose section.
Common:
Infrequent:
- Irritability, depression,
dizziness, headache,
drowsiness, unusual
movement of eyes, rapid
heartbeat.
- Rash, unusual
movements of
tongue, appetite loss,
abdominal pain,
nausea, weight loss.
Rare:
- Seizures.
- Abnormal muscular
movements, jaundice,
hallucinations.
Warnings & Precautions
Don't take if:
You are allergic to pemoline.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
- If you have liver disease.
- If you have kidney disease.
- If patient is younger than 6 years.
- If there is marked emotional instability.
Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and
severe than in younger persons.
Pregnancy:
No proven harm to unborn child. Avoid if possible. Consult doctor.
Breast-feeding:
No problems expected. Consult doctor.
Infants & children:
Use only under close medical supervision for children 6 or
older.
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.
Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.
Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine
affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb
ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink
alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes, such
as antihistamines, tranquilizers, sedatives, pain medicine,
narcotics and mind-altering drugs.
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.
Others:
Dose must be carefully adjusted by doctor.
Possible Interaction with Other Drugs
GENERIC NAME |
COMBINED EFFECT |
| |
------------------------ |
----------------------- |
Anticonvulsants* |
Dosage adjustment for anticonvulsant |
|
may be necessary. |
Central nervous |
May increase toxic effects of |
system (CNS) |
both drugs. |
| |
Possible Interaction with Other Substances
INTERACTS WITH |
COMBINED EFFECT |
--------------- |
--------------- |
Alcohol: |
More chance of depression. Avoid. |
| |
| |
Caffeine drinks. |
May raise blood pressure. Avoid. |
| |
Cocaine: |
Convulsions or excessive |
|
nervousness. |
| |
Foods: |
No problems expected. |
| |
Marijuana: |
Unknown. |
| |
Tobacco: |
Unknown. |
|