What medications are given for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?

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Last updated: February 18, 2025View editorial policy

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From the FDA Drug Label

Riluzole tablets is indicated for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

  • Riluzole is a medication given for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
  • The recommended dosage is 50 mg twice daily 1

From the Research

Medications for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

The following medications are used to treat ALS:

  • Riluzole: a neuroprotective agent that has been shown to prolong survival and slow disease progression in patients with ALS 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Edaravone: a medication that has been approved to slow disease progression in ALS patients 6, 4
  • Sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol (PB/TURSO): a combination medication that has been conditionally approved to slow disease progression and prolong survival in ALS patients 6, 4
  • Tofersen: a medication that has been recently approved under accelerated approval and is contingent upon verification of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials 6

Disease-Modifying Treatments

There are currently four disease-modifying treatments approved for ALS:

  • Riluzole
  • Edaravone
  • Sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol (PB/TURSO)
  • Tofersen 6

Symptomatic Treatments

Symptomatic treatments are used to manage common symptoms of ALS, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Emotional lability (pseudobulbar affect)
  • Fasciculations
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Muscle cramps or spasms
  • Musculoskeletal pain due to immobility
  • Neuropathic type pain
  • Excessive salivation (sialorrhea)
  • Spasticity
  • Constipation
  • Urinary urgency 6

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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