Phenylethylmalonamide (PEMA) is an active metabolite of the anticonvulsant drug primidone, although it is produced in a much lower concentration than phenobarbital, the other active metabolite. Phenylethylmalonamide (PEMA) is an active metabolite of the anticonvulsant drug primidone, although it is produced in a much lower concentration than phenobarbital, the other active metabolite.