Riluzole

Generic name: Riluzole
Drug class: Miscellaneous central nervous system agents

Usage of Riluzole

Riluzole is used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease.

Riluzole is not a cure for ALS, but it may delay progression of the disease and prolong your life.

Riluzole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Riluzole side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Riluzole may cause serious side effects. Stop using riluzole and call your doctor at once if you have:

sudden chest pain, wheezing, feeling short of breath;

dry cough, or cough with mucus;

low white blood cell counts--fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat; or

liver problems--nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Side effects may be more likely to occur in people of Japanese descent.

Common side effects of riluzole may include:

increased blood pressure;

numbness or tingling around your mouth;

weakness;

dizziness;

stomach pain, nausea; or

breathing problems.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Riluzole

You should not use riluzole if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

liver disease.

Riluzole may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using riluzole.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Riluzole

Usual Adult Dose for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis:

50 mg orally every 12 hoursComments: -This drug should be taken on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. -This drug may be taken via a percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy tube (PEG-tube). Use: For the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

What other drugs will affect Riluzole

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Riluzole can harm your liver, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, birth control, high cholesterol, seizures, pain, or arthritis (including Advil).

Other drugs may affect riluzole, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Disclaimer

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