Riluzole

Drug Status in USA : Approved
Drug Status in Canada : Approved

pronunciation

pronounced as (ril' yoo zole)

Why is this medication prescribed?

Riluzole is used to slow the progress of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease). The drug also may delay the need for a tracheostomy (breathing tube), but it is not a cure for ALS.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.


How should this medicine be used?

Riluzole comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken twice a day, every 12 hours. You should take it at the same time each day (usually in the morning and in the evening). Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take riluzole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Riluzole slows progression of ALS but does not cure it. Continue to take riluzole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking riluzole without talking to your doctor.


What are the precautions to be followed?

Before taking riluzole,
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to riluzole or any other drugs.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amitriptyline (Elavil), caffeine-containing products, ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), omeprazole (Prilosec), rifampin (Rifadin), theophylline (Theo-Dur), and vitamins.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had blood disorders or anemia or kidney or liver disease.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking riluzole, call your doctor.
  • if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking riluzole.
  • you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
  • remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
  • tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.

What are possible side effects of this medication ?

Riluzole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
  • dizziness
  • tiredness
  • upset stomach
  • stomach pain
  • diarrhea
  • muscle weakness or aches
  • loss of appetite
  • headache
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
  • difficulty breathing
  • fever
  • depression


How to store the medication and dispose it of after its use later?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from light and excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.


Drug Category/Class

  • Nervous System
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A2 Inhibitors
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A2 Inducers
  • Other nervous system drugs
Prescribed For the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease)
Weight :234.198
Structure Riluzole
Generic Drug Riluzole prescribed For the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig
Formula

C8H5F3N2OS

Riluzole has 1 Brands listed


Rilutor (50 mg)

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