ADHD DRUGS: CYLERT
In May 2005, Abbott Laboratories announced that Cylert (pemoline) will no longer be available in the United States and in October 2005, manufacturers of generic pemoline agreed to stop sales and marketing of these products. This action is based on advice from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA states that the overall risk of liver toxicity with pemoline outweighs the benefits of the drug.
Why is this Cylert prescribed?
Cylert is used to treat attention-deficit disorder in children over the age of six. It should be part of a total treatment program, which typically included psychological and social counseling.
What side effects can Cylert medication cause?
Although side effects from pemoline are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Insomnia
Weight loss
Upset stomach
Diarrhea
If your child experiences any of the following symptoms or those listed in the top portion of this page, call your doctor immediately:
Hallucinations
Excitement
Agitation
Restlessness
Fast heartbeat
Seizures
Dizziness
If you are currently taking pemoline, you should call your doctor to discuss switching to another treatment.
Pemoline can cause serious and sometimes deadly liver damage. Tell your doctor if your child has or has ever had liver disease. Make sure your child keeps all appointments with the doctor and the laboratory. Your child's doctor will order lab tests before and during treatment to check if pemoline is affecting his/her liver.If your child experiences any of the following symptoms, call his/her doctor immediately: loss of appetite, excessive tiredness, lack of energy, upset stomach, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin or eyes.Make sure to read and sign the consent form before your child begins to take pemoline.
