pemoline

Pemoline is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that was primarily used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, and less commonly for narcolepsy[1][2][3][8]. It belongs to the oxazolidine class of compounds and is structurally distinct from amphetamines and methylphenidate[4][7]. Pemoline acts as a mild psychostimulant, selectively blocking dopamine reuptake and only weakly stimulating dopamine release, though its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood[5][6]. Unlike other stimulants, it has minimal sympathomimetic effects. Pemoline was marketed under the brand name Cylert. Due to rare but serious cases of liver toxicity, including life-threatening hepatic failure, its use required regular liver function monitoring and informed consent[1][3]. The FDA withdrew approval for pemoline in 2005 due to safety concerns[2].

Brand names

Cylert

Other names

pemolina