Drug Notes

Pemoline (By mouth)

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This medicine was withdrawn from the U.S. market in May 2005, because it may cause rare but serious side effects.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

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• 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.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to 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:

• Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take 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• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.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 out of the reach of children. 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 use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

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. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop 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 check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. 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

Last Updated: 1/27/2017