Pemoline Not First Line Drug for ADHD

WASHINGTON, June 28 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The makers of Cylert (pemoline) cautioned that this product "should not ordinarily be considered as first line drug therapy for ADHD."

The warning came as the result of the drug's association with a higher risk of life-threatening hepatic (liver) failure and a dozen or more deaths. Patients must have a normal baseline liver function test, and liver function tests are suggested to be done every two weeks. A consent form must be signed prior to use of this drug.

"It took 15 cases of liver failure and some deaths to start warning parents," said Lynn Murphy, executive director of the Feingold Association, a non-profit organization assisting parents who have children with the disorder. "Children died from a drug to help them get along in school," continued Murphy.

The National Institutes of Health estimates ADHD affects between 3 to 5 percent of school age children in this country. According to Robert Sinaiko, M.D., a physician who sees many children with this disorder, "Well-conducted research reported in many major medical journals supports dietary treatment for ADHD, with scientific efficacy ranging to over 80 percent. Nevertheless, the majority of physicians who prescribe psychoactive drugs for ADHD are generally not discussing the advantages of this intervention."

The National Institutes of Health recently examined all of the therapies being used for the treatment of ADHD but conceded that the focus of treatment research has been on amphetamine-like drugs.

Dietary treatment, according to the NIH panel, "showed intriguing results suggesting the need for future research."

"The physician may feel that dietary compliance is too difficult," said Kathleen Bratby, MSN, RN, president of the Feingold Association. "However, simply substituting one brand with another brand can eliminate possible triggers of some ADHD symptoms. Then the clearest diagnostic picture and most appropriate treatment can be determined."

The Feingold Association calls for action to be taken to ensure parents are informed about alternatives to the use of drugs as the first line of treatment for ADHD.

The NIH Consensus Statement can be accessed at http://odp.od.nih.gov/concensus/cons/110/110_statement.htm.
A summary of studies are available by calling the Feingold Association at 800-321-3287

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/U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/
06/28 13:13

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