ARTICLES
Pemoline Effects on Children with ADHD: A Time-Response by Dose-Response Analysis on Classroom Measures

https://doi.org/10.1097/00004583-199511000-00018Get rights and content

ABSTRACT

Objective

To evaluate the dose-response by time-response characteristics of pemoline (Cylert®) on dependent measures of behavior and academic performance in a laboratory classroom.

Method

After a 2-week baseline, a double-blind crossover design was used to compare placebo, 18.75 mg, 37.5 mg, 75 mg, and 112.5 mg of pemoline, q.a.m., with each dose administered for 1 week. Medication was given at 9:00 A.M., and performance was measured beginning immediately and beginning 2, 4, and 6 hours after ingestion. The dependent measures included number of math problems completed correctly, teacher-recorded rates of on-task behavior and noncompliance, and teacher ratings on an Abbreviated Conners Teacher Rating Scale.

Results

There were linear effects of medication, with pemoline doses greater than 18.75 mg having an effect beginning 2 hours after ingestion and lasting through the seventh hour after ingestion.

Conclusion

Results are contrasted with widespread misbeliefs regarding pemoline's time course and efficacy.

REFERENCES (33)

  • CL Carlson et al.

    Effects of methylphenidate on the academic performance of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and learning disabilities

    Sch Psychol Rev

    (1993)
  • CP Collier et al.

    Pemoline pharmacokinetics and long term therapy in children with attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity

    Clin Pharmacokinet

    (1985)
  • CK Conners et al.

    Pemoline, methylphenidate, and placebo in children with minimal brain dysfunction

    Arch Gen Psychiatry

    (1980)
  • CH Goyette et al.

    Normative data on revised Conners parent and teacher rating scales

    J Abnorm Child Psychol

    (1978)
  • JG Page et al.

    A multi-clinic trial of pemoline in childhood hyperkinesis

  • WE Pelham

    The effects of psychostimulant drugs on learning and achievement in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders and learning-disabilities

  • Cited by (57)

    • A dose-ranging study of a methylphenidate transdermal system in children with ADHD

      2005, Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
    • Pharmacokinetics of SLI381 (ADDERALL XR), an extended-release formulation of adderall

      2003, Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
    View all citing articles on Scopus

    The authors thank the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Research Institute and Abbott Laboratories, Canada, for their support during this study, and Abbott Laboratories, U.S.A., for support of manuscript preparation. The first author was supported in part by grants AA06267, DA05605, MH40567, MH45576, and MH48157 during the writing of this paper.

    View full text