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Pemoline-Induced Choreoathetosis and Rhabdomyolysis

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Summary

Pemoline is an indirectly acting sympathomimetic with actions similar to amphetamine and methylphenidate. While choreoathetosis is a well-recognised complication of acute or chronic amphetamine abuse, only 3 previous case reports have implicated pemoline in such a movement disorder. We report a 49- year-old man who developed severe choreoathetosis with rhabdomyolysis after markedly increasing his intake of pemoline. Abnormal movements responded to diazepam and completely resolved over 48 hours. He made a complete recovery with supportive care. This is only the second case of pemolineinduced choreoathetosis in an adult reported in the English literature, and the first case of rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuria complicating choreoathetosis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Department of Medical Toxicology, Good Samaritan Medical Center, 1130 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85006, USA

    John G. Briscoe,  Steven C. Curry, Richard D. Gerkin & Robert R. Ruiz

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  1. John G. Briscoe
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  2. Steven C. Curry
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  3. Richard D. Gerkin
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  4. Robert R. Ruiz
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Briscoe, J.G., Curry, S.C., Gerkin, R.D. et al. Pemoline-Induced Choreoathetosis and Rhabdomyolysis. Dis-Manage-Health-Outcomes 3, 72–76 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03259933

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