Using the recommended schedule of dosage titration, significant clinical benefit may not be evident until the third or fourth week of drug administration. The diagnosis of this syndrome should not be made with finality when these symptoms are only of comparatively recent origin. Contraindications Pemoline is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity or idiosyncrasy to the drug. Pemoline should not be administered to patients with impaired hepatic function. Therefore, patients requiring long-term therapy should be carefully monitored.
Some doctors recommend drug-free periods during treatment with pemoline.
Pemoline is not recommended for children less than 6 years since its safety and efficacy in this age group have not been established. Precautions Clinical experience suggests that in psychotic children, administration of pemoline may exacerbate symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder. Pemoline should be administered with caution to patients with significantly impaired renal function. Liver function tests should be performed prior to and periodically during therapy with pemoline. Long-term effects of pemoline in children have not been established.