Riluzol
Rx50 mg • Suspension
More from Riluzol
Other strengths and forms by Renata PLC
Indications & Uses
Riluzole tablet is used for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (a progressive neurological disorder). It helps extend life or the time before mechanical ventilation is needed.
Pharmacology
The cause and development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are not known, though several hypotheses have been put forward. One is that motor neurons, made vulnerable by genetic predisposition or environmental factors, are injured by glutamate. In some cases of familial ALS, the enzyme superoxide dismutase has been found to be defective. How Riluzole works is also not known. Its pharmacological properties include the following, and some of them may be related to its effect: it inhibits the release of glutamate, it inactivates voltage-dependent sodium channels, and it can interfere with intracellular events that follow transmitter binding at excitatory amino acid receptors. In a single study, Riluzole delayed median time to death in a transgenic mouse model of ALS. These mice express human superoxide dismutase carrying one of the mutations found in one of the familial forms of human ALS. It is also neuroprotective in various in vivo experimental models of neuronal injury involving excitotoxic mechanisms. In in vitro tests, riluzole protected cultured rat motor neurons from the excitotoxic effects of glutamic acid and prevented the death of cortical neurons induced by anoxia. Because it blocks glutamatergic neurotransmission, riluzole also shows myorelaxant and sedative properties in animal models at doses of 30 mg/kg (about 20 times the recommended human daily dose), and anticonvulsant properties at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg (about 2 times the recommended human daily dose).
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Adults and older people should take 100mg of Riluzole tablet a day, which means one 50mg tablet every 12 hours. Take it at least one hour before a meal or two hours after one, because food can lower how much Riluzole the body absorbs (its bioavailability).
Paediatric use: Riluzole is not recommended for children.
Side Effects
Riluzole can cause nausea, abnormal liver function tests, asthenia (weakness), headache, dizziness, oral paraesthesia, somnolence, tachycardia, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting, pain and anaemia. Allergic reactions, angioedema, pancreatitis and interstitial lung disease have also been reported.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Liver impairment: Riluzole should be prescribed with care to patients who have a history of abnormal liver function, or who have slightly raised serum transaminases (ALT/SGPT and AST/SGOT up to 3 times the upper limit of the normal range (ULN)), bilirubin and/or gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). If several liver function tests are raised at baseline, especially bilirubin, the medicine should not be used. Because of the risk of hepatitis, serum transaminases, including ALT, should be measured before treatment and during it. ALT should be checked every month for the first 3 months, every 3 months for the rest of the first year, and periodically after that. Patients whose ALT levels start to rise should be checked more often. Treatment should be stopped if ALT reaches 5 times the ULN. Renal impairment: Riluzole is not recommended for patients with impaired renal function. Neutropenia: Patients should be told to report any febrile illness to their doctors. If neutropenia develops, the medicine should be stopped. Interstitial lung disease: Cases of interstitial lung disease have been reported in patients treated with Riluzole. If it occurs, the medicine should be stopped immediately. Effects on ability to drive and use machines: Patients should be warned that they may feel dizzy or have vertigo. If these symptoms occur, they should not drive or operate machinery.
Contraindications
Don't give Riluzole to anyone who is allergic to the active substance or to any of the excipients. It is also not for people with liver disease, or whose baseline transaminases are more than 3 times the upper limit of normal.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Riluzole must not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Storage
Keep Riluzole in a cool, dry place, away from light. The storage temperature should not go above 30°C.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Riluzol 50 mg
What is Riluzol 50 mg Suspension?
Riluzol 50 mg Suspension is a medicine that contains Riluzole. It is made by Renata PLC. It belongs to the Neurodegenerative Disease Drugs / Neuromuscular Disorder Drugs group of medicines.
What is Riluzol used for?
Riluzole tablet is used for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (a progressive neurological disorder). It helps extend life or the time before mechanical ventilation is needed.
What are the side effects of Riluzol?
Riluzole can cause nausea, abnormal liver function tests, asthenia (weakness), headache, dizziness, oral paraesthesia, somnolence, tachycardia, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting, pain and anaemia. Allergic reactions, angioedema, pancreatitis and interstitial lung disease have also been reported.
Can I take Riluzol during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Riluzole must not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How should I store Riluzol?
Keep Riluzole in a cool, dry place, away from light. The storage temperature should not go above 30°C.
Can I take other medicines with Riluzol?
Some medicines can interact with Riluzole, for example: Theophylline, Rifampicin, Omeprazole, Diazepam, Caffeine, Diclofenac. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Riluzol?
Riluzol is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.