Pemoline-induced abnormal involuntary movements.
Plasma pemoline levels were measured in 6- to 12-year-old, severely hyperactive males coincident with onset of abnormal involuntary movements. Acute exposure to pemoline (2 mg/kg orally) was associated with choreoathetoid movements of face, limbs, and trunk in five of 20 subjects in an acute study of pemoline pharmacokinetics. Also reported is a series of four chronically treated patients who developed choreiform movements and dyskinesias after variable periods of exposure from 3 weeks to 3 months with pemoline (1.5-2.0 mg/kg/day). Abnormal movements following acute or chronic exposure to pemoline cleared after pemoline discontinuation. Pemoline pharmacokinetics does not seem to be a primary determinant in the development of abnormal involuntary movements after chronic exposure. Total amount of pemoline absorbed may play a role in the development of choreoathetoid movements following acute exposure.
Sallee
F R
FR
Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pennsylvania 15213.
Stiller
R L
RL
Perel
J M
JM
Everett
G
G
D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D010389:Pemoline / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use
D010389:Pemoline