What is Rilutek used for?
This medication is used to treat a certain type of nerve disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also commonly called Lou Gehrig’s disease). Riluzole helps to slow down the worsening of this disease and prolong survival.
Can you crush riluzole tablets?
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it. If you are using the oral liquid: This medicine can be taken by the mouth or be given via PEG tubes.
Is riluzole the same as Rilutek?
Official Answer. Rilutek, Tiglutik and Exservan are brand names for different formulations of riluzole, a medicine used in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Rilutek is an oral tablet, Tiglutik is an oral suspension, and Exservan is an oral film.
What is riluzole 50 mg used for?
Riluzole is used in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a form of motor neurone disease where damage to the nerve cells responsible for sending instructions to the muscles lead to weakness, muscle wastage and paralysis.
How does the drug riluzole work?
Riluzole, also called Rilutek®, is a medication used to slow the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). How does it work? Riluzole works by blocking the release of glutamate. Too much glutamate is believed to injure nerve cells.
What kind of drug is riluzole?
Riluzole is used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS; Lou Gehrig’s disease). Riluzole is in a class of medications called benzothiazoles. It works by changing the activity of certain natural substances in the body that affect nerves and muscles.
How do you take riluzole pills?
Riluzole comes as a tablet and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It usually is taken on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals) twice a day, every 12 hours. You should take it at the same times each day (usually in the morning and in the evening).
How does riluzole act in the body?
Riluzole works by blocking the release of glutamate. Too much glutamate is believed to injure nerve cells. You will not notice a change in your symptoms when taking it. However, it is working behind the scenes to prolong your survival and slow the progression of ALS.
Can Rilutek be crushed?
You can crush this medication so that it can be taken with a small amount of food or administered through a feeding tube. If you missed a dose and it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose (do not take 2 doses at the same time).
What does riluzole do to the brain?
Riluzole is thought to work by protecting the nerves in the brain and spinal cord from too much of a natural substance called glutamate that may be part of the cause of nerve damage.
What class of medication is riluzole?
Riluzole is in a class of medications called benzothiazoles. It works by changing the activity of certain natural substances in the body that affect nerves and muscles.
When is the best time to take rilutek?
Rilutek is indicated for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The recommended dosage for Rilutek is 50 mg taken orally twice daily. Rilutek should be taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].
How does rilutek work and what are the side effects?
Rilutek works by decreasing your body’s levels of glutamate, an amino acid that affects nerves that send messages from your brain to your muscles. People with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis may have very high levels of glutamate, which can damage these nerve cells.
How is rilutek used in the treatment of ALS?
Rilutek is used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Rilutek is not a cure for ALS, but it may delay progression of the disease and prolong your life.
How many mg of rilutek are in a bottle?
Rilutek 50 mg tablets are white, capsule-shaped, film-coated, and engraved with “RPR 202” on one side. Rilutek is supplied in bottles of 60 tablets, NDC 70515-700-60. Store at controlled room temperature, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), and protect from bright light.