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 about 2-3 months on average, according to the most recent and highest quality study available 2. The standard dosage of Riluzole is 50 mg taken orally twice daily, at least one hour before or two hours after meals. Riluzole works by blocking sodium channels and inhibiting the release of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter that can damage nerve cells when present in excess. This mechanism helps slow the progression of ALS by reducing excitotoxicity, though it does not cure the disease. Some key points to consider when using Riluzole include:
- Patients should be aware that Riluzole may cause side effects including nausea, weakness, dizziness, and elevated liver enzymes.
- Regular liver function tests are necessary during treatment, typically every month for the first three months, then periodically thereafter.
- Riluzole is most effective when started early in the disease course.
- The medication should be taken consistently and patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider. It's also important to note that the survival benefit of Riluzole has been shown to occur primarily in the last clinical stage of ALS, as demonstrated in a retrospective analysis of data from a dose-ranging study 2. Overall, while Riluzole has its limitations, it remains one of the few FDA-approved treatments for ALS and can provide a modest but significant extension of survival for patients with this disease.