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Pemoline, methylphenidate, and placebo in children with minimal brain dysfunction
Insights
This study compared pemoline (Cylert) and methylphenidate (Ritalin) in hyperactive children. Both medications improved behavior, but pemoline showed longer-lasting effects after treatment withdrawal compared to methylphenidate.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Child Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hyperactivity in children is a significant concern impacting development.
- Pharmacological interventions are commonly used to manage symptoms of hyperactivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and duration of action of pemoline (Cylert) and methylphenidate (Ritalin) versus placebo in hyperactive children.
- To assess the impact of these medications on various behavioral and cognitive domains.
Main Methods:
- An eight-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 60 hyperactive children.
- Evaluations included home, school, achievement, cognitive function, and clinical status assessments at multiple time points.
Main Results:
- Both pemoline and methylphenidate demonstrated significant improvements in home, school, and clinical status compared to placebo.
- Neither drug showed improvement in achievement measures.
- Pemoline exhibited a longer duration of action, with effects persisting post-treatment, unlike methylphenidate which showed regression to baseline.
Conclusions:
- Pemoline and methylphenidate are effective in managing hyperactivity symptoms.
- Pemoline may offer a sustained therapeutic benefit beyond the treatment period, suggesting a different pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic profile compared to methylphenidate.
Abstract:
An eight-week double-blind comparison between pemoline (Cylert), methylphenidate (Ritalin) hydrochloride, and placebo was carried out on 60 hyperactive children. Measurements of home, school, achievement, cognitive function, and global clinical status were made at baseline, midtreatment, end of treatment, and posttreatment. Both drugs produced improvement in all areas except the achievement measures. One major difference between drugs was the apparently longer action of pemoline, since its effects at home and school tended to persist when the drug was withdrawn, whereas the patients receiving methylphenidate tended to regress to their baseline levels.