Riluzol

Riluzol Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

The mode of action of riluzole is unknown. Its pharmacological properties include the following, some of which may be related to its effect:

An inhibitory effect on glutamate release (activation of glutamate reuptake),Inactivation of voltage-dependent sodium channels,Ability to interfere with intracellular events that follow transmitter binding at excitatory amino acid receptors.Riluzol, a member of the benzothiazole class, is indicated for the treatment of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Riluzol extends survival and/or time to tracheostomy. It is also neuroprotective in various in vivo experimental models of neuronal injury involving excitotoxic mechanisms. The etiology and pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are not known, although a number of hypotheses have been advanced. One hypothesis is that motor neurons, made vulnerable through either genetic predisposition or environmental factors, are injured by glutamate. In some cases of familial ALS the enzyme superoxide dismutase has been found to be defective.

Riluzol, a member of the benzothiazole class, is indicated for the treatment of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Riluzol extends survival and/or time to tracheostomy. It is also neuroprotective in various in vivo experimental models of neuronal injury involving excitotoxic mechanisms. The etiology and pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are not known, although a number of hypotheses have been advanced. One hypothesis is that motor neurons, made vulnerable through either genetic predisposition or environmental factors, are injured by glutamate. In some cases of familial ALS the enzyme superoxide dismutase has been found to be defective.

Trade Name Riluzol
Availability Prescription only
Generic Riluzole
Riluzole Other Names Riluzol, Riluzole, Riluzolum
Related Drugs edaravone, Radicava, Radicava ORS, Rilutek, Exservan, Tiglutik
Type
Formula C8H5F3N2OS
Weight Average: 234.198
Monoisotopic: 234.007468097
Protein binding

96% bound to plasma proteins, mainly to albumin and lipoprotein over the clinical concentration range.

Groups Approved, Investigational
Therapeutic Class Neurodegenerative Disease Drugs / Neuromuscular Disorder Drugs
Manufacturer
Available Country Netherlands
Last Updated: September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am
Riluzol
Riluzol

Uses

Riluzol is used for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Riluzol is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

How Riluzol works

The mode of action of riluzole is unknown. Its pharmacological properties include the following, some of which may be related to its effect: 1) an inhibitory effect on glutamate release (activation of glutamate reuptake), 2) inactivation of voltage-dependent sodium channels, and 3) ability to interfere with intracellular events that follow transmitter binding at excitatory amino acid receptors.

Dosage

Riluzol dosage

The recommended dosage for Riluzol is 50 mg taken orally twice daily. Riluzol should be taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.Measure serum aminotransferases before and during treatment with Riluzol

Side Effects

The following adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: Hepatic Injury, Neutropenia, Interstitial lung disease

Precaution

Hepatic Injury: Cases of drug-induced liver injury, some of which were fatal, have been reported in patients taking Riluzol. Asymptomatic elevations of hepatic transaminases have also been reported, and in some patients have recurred upon rechallenge with Riluzol.

In clinical studies, the incidence of elevations in hepatic transaminases was greater in Riluzoltreated patients than placebo-treated patients. The incidence of elevations of ALT above 5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) was 2% in Riluzol-treated patients. Maximum increases in ALT occurred within 3 months after starting Riluzol. About 50% and 8% of Riluzoltreated patients in pooled Studies 1 and 2, had at least one elevated ALT level above ULN and above 3 times ULN, respectively

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hepatic injury, every month for the first 3 months of treatment, and periodically thereafter. The use of Riluzol is not recommended if patients develop hepatic transaminases levels greater than 5 times the ULN. Discontinue Riluzol if there is evidence of liver dysfunction (e.g., elevated bilirubin).

Neutropenia: Cases of severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count less than 500 per mm3) within the first 2 months of Riluzol treatment have been reported. Advise patients to report febrile illnesses.

Interstitial Lung Disease: Interstitial lung disease, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, has occurred in patients taking Riluzol. Discontinue Riluzol immediately if interstitial lung disease develops.

Interaction

Strong to moderate CYP1A2 inhibitors: Coadministration may increase Riluzol-associated adverse reactions

Strong to moderate CYP1A2 inducers: Coadministration may result in decreased efficacy

Hepatotoxic drugs: Riluzol-treated patients that take other hepatotoxic drugs may be at increased risk for hepatotoxicity

Food Interaction

  • Take on an empty stomach. Take at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

Elimination Route

Riluzol is well-absorbed (approximately 90%), with average absolute oral bioavailability of about 60% (CV=30%). A high fat meal decreases absorption, reducing AUC by about 20% and peak blood levels by about 45%.

Half Life

The mean elimination half-life of riluzole is 12 hours (CV=35%) after repeated doses.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnancy: Based on animal data, may cause fetal harm

Lactation: It is not known if riluzole is excreted in human milk. Riluzol or its metabolites have been detected in milk of lactating rat. Women should be advised that many drugs are excreted in human milk and that the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Riluzol is unknown.

Contraindication

Riluzol is contraindicated in patients with a history of severe hypersensitivity reactions to riluzole or to any of its components (anaphylaxis has occurred)

Acute Overdose

Reported symptoms of overdose following ingestion of Riluzol ranging from 1.5 to 3 grams (30 to 60 times the recommended dose) included acute toxic encephalopathy, coma, drowsiness, memory loss, and methemoglobinemia. No specific antidote for the treatment of Riluzol overdose is available.

Storage Condition

Store at controlled room temperature, 20°C to 25°C, and protect from bright light.

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here Riluzol

Riluzol contains Riluzole see full prescribing information from innovator Riluzol Monograph, Riluzol MSDS, Riluzol FDA label

FAQ

What is Riluzol used for?

Riluzol is a medication used to slow the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).Riluzol is the only drug to prolong survival for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

How safe is Riluzol?

The Riluzol is generally very safe if monitored correctly.

How does Riluzol work?

Riluzol works by blocking the release of glutamate.

What are the common side effects of Riluzol?

Common side effects of Riluzol are include:

  • Bladder pain
  • bloody or cloudy urine
  • blurred vision
  • chills
  • cough
  • dark urine
  • diarrhea
  • difficult, burning, or painful urination
  • fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
  • fever
  • frequent urge to urinate
  • general feeling of discomfort or illness
  • headache
  • increased cough
  • itching skin
  • joint pain
  • loss of appetite
  • lower back or side pain
  • muscle aches and pains
  • nausea
  • nervousness
  • persistent loss of appetite or weight loss
  • pounding in the ears
  • right upper quadrant tenderness
  • runny nose
  • shivering
  • slow heartbeat
  • sore throat
  • trouble sleeping
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • vomiting
  • yellow eyes or skin

Is Riluzol safe during pregnancy?

Riluzol 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 this medicine.

Is Riluzol safe during breastfeeding?

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using Riluzol during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Can I drink alcohol with Riluzol?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage while taking Riluzol. This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Can I drive after taking Riluzol?

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy.Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely.

When Is the best taken of Riluzol?

Riluzol should be taken on an empty stomach. Take it at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. This medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood.

How can I take Riluzol?

Riluzol usually is taken on an empty stomach  twice a day, every 12 hours.

How long does it take for Riluzol to work?

It is working behind the scenes to prolong your survival and slow the progression of ALS. The initial clinical trials showed a survival benefit of about 3 months. However, more recent data suggest that the survival benefit may be as much as 12 months, especially for younger patients.

Does Riluzol cause liver damage?

The severity of liver injury from Riluzol ranges from minor, transient elevations in serum aminotransferase levels to acute hepatic injury with jaundice and possible to acute liver failure.

Does Riluzol raise blood pressure?

Blood pressures were significantly higher in Riluzol treated patients than in controls with ALS.Riluzol treatment may be associated with mild blood pressure elevations.

Who should not take Riluzol?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

What happen If I miss a dose of Riluzol?

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How long does Riluzol stay in my system?

Given the known half-life of Riluzol(9–15 hours) and the delay of emergence of amnesia, most of the Riluzol should have been out of our patient's system by the time the symptoms emerged, which raises the possibility that she may have been a slow metabolizer of the drug.

How long should I take Riluzol?

The initial clinical trials showed a survival benefit of about 3 months.

Can Rilutek be crushed?

Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

Can you overdose on Riluzol?

Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, confusion, problems with thinking or memory, coma, tremors, or blue lips or fingers. Avoid smoking. Smoking cigarettes may make riluzole less effective.

*** Taking medicines without doctor's advice can cause long-term problems.
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