Pemoline (By mouth)

Introduction

Pemoline (PEM-oh-leen)

This medicine was withdrawn from the U.S. market in May 2005, because it may cause rare but serious side effects. Treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This medicine is a stimulant.

Brand Name(s)

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet, Chewable Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take this medicine in the morning. Taking this medicine in the afternoon or evening could make it harder for you to fall asleep.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• You must chew the chewable tablet completely before you swallow it. Drink some water afterwards to make sure you swallow all of the medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, heart disease, Tourette's syndrome, epilepsy (seizures), or depression or anxiety problems.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
• This medicine may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
• Fast or uneven heartbeat.
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there).
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach.
• Seizures or extreme confusion.
• Skin rash.
• Twitching or muscle movements you cannot control (often in your eyes, jaw, neck, or upper body).
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Feeling tired, irritable, nervous, anxious, or depressed.
• Trouble sleeping, or headache.
• Unexpected weight loss.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088