Pemoline Withdrawn as Approved Drug for ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has become a prevalent diagnosis among children in recent years. Consequently, numerous drugs have been developed and prescribed to children to treat this disorder. In October, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration withdrew approval for pemoline, a drug used to treat ADHD, because it has been associated with liver problems, including death. The drug was sold under the name Cylert and originally developed by Abbott Laboratories. Earlier this year, Abbott discontinued production of Cylert, but generic versions continued to be produced and remain available. Even though pemoline or Cylert has been associated with liver problems and death, the FDA did not recall the drug. Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group, criticized the FDA's failure to issue a recall of the drug calling it "reckless and insensitive to the health and lives of children and adults using this drug . . .." For an additional story about Cyclert, also see the October 24, 2005 online edition of MSN Health & Fitness - Health Highlights .