NOTE: March 25, 2005, pemoline (Cylert) has been withdrawn from the market because of declining sales.
Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: PEMOLINE - ORAL (PEM-oh-leen)
BRAND NAME(S): Cylert
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
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 rarely caused severe (sometimes 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.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Sleep - Read about how to get a healthy nights sleep, how much sleep is enough, and why skimping on sleep can lead to poor performance, health, and moods.
- Narcolepsy - Learn about narcolepsy symptoms like excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, distorted perceptions, and sleep paralysis.
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