Pemoline-induced choreoathetosis and rhabdomyolysis.
Pemoline is an indirectly acting sympathomimetic with actions similar to amphetamine and methylphenidate. While choreoathetosis is a well-recognised complication of acute or chronic amphetamine abuse, only 3 previous case reports have implicated pemoline in such a movement disorder. We report a 49-year-old man who developed severe choreoathetosis with rhabdomyolysis after markedly increasing his intake of pemoline. Abnormal movements responded to diazepam and completely resolved over 48 hours. He made a complete recovery with supportive care. This is only the second case of pemoline-induced choreoathetosis in an adult reported in the English literature, and the first case of rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuria complicating choreoathetosis.
Briscoe
J G
JG
Department of Medicine, Good Samaritan Medical Center, Phoenix.
Curry
S C
SC
Gerkin
R D
RD
Ruiz
R R
RR
D000437:Alcoholism / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D010389:Pemoline / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012206:Rhabdomyolysis / Q000139:chemically induced*
D010389:Pemoline