From the FDA Drug Label
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Riluzole tablets is indicated for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The use of Riluzole (Rilutek) is for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) 1.
From the Research
Riluzole is a medication that should be used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as it has been shown to prolong survival by approximately 2-3 months on average and may delay the need for ventilatory support, as evidenced by the most recent and highest quality study 2. The standard dosage of riluzole is 50 mg taken orally twice daily, 12 hours apart, preferably at the same times each day. Riluzole works by reducing glutamate release in the brain and spinal cord, which helps protect nerve cells from damage. While it doesn't cure ALS, riluzole can extend survival and may delay the need for ventilatory support, with a 9% gain in the probability of surviving one year, as shown in a study 3. Common side effects of riluzole include:
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Elevated liver enzymes Regular liver function monitoring is necessary, especially during the first few months of treatment, due to the increased risk of liver damage, as noted in a study 4. The medication should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after meals, to ensure proper absorption. Patients should avoid alcohol while taking riluzole as it increases the risk of liver damage. Although riluzole's benefits may seem modest, it remains one of the few FDA-approved treatments for ALS and represents an important component of comprehensive ALS management, as supported by a study 5. It is also important to note that riluzole prolongs survival in the last clinical stage of ALS, as shown in a retrospective analysis of data from a dose-ranging study 2.