Riluzole

Other CNS Drugs · Benzothiazole

Indications

Treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Dosage

Adults: 50 mg twice daily. Children: Not recommended.

Adverse Effects

Arrhythmia, tachycardia, postural hypertension, dizziness, malaise, nausea and vomiting, GI disturbances, peptic ulcer hemorrhages, liver function test abnormalities, hepatitis, amnesia, coma, depression, hypotension, chest pain, back pain, eczema, nail disorders, pruritus, alopecia, decreased lung function, UTI, dysuria, anemia, neutropenia, peripheral edema, weight loss.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Liver dysfunction (baseline elevations of serum aminotransferases > 5 times upper limit of normal). Interstitial lung disease. Precautions: Measure serum aminotransferases before and during treatment. Elderly. Mild or moderate hepatic impairment.

Interactions

CYP1A2 inhibitors (e.g. ciprofloxacin, enoxacin, fluvoxamine, methoxsalen, mexiletine, oral contraceptives, thiabendazole, vemurafenib, zileuton) and CYP1A2 inducers. Hepatotoxic drugs (e.g. allopurinol, methyldopa, sulfasalazine).

Advice to Patient

Take at least 1 hr before or 2 hrs after a meal. Report any febrile illness (fever, yellowing of the whites of the eyes, respiratory symptoms such as dry cough and difficulty in breathing).

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: High fat meal decreases absorption. Bioavailability: Approx. 60%. Metabolism: Hepatic. Half-life elimination: 12 hrs. Excretion: Urine (90%). Faeces (5%).

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.