Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Indication for Riluzole

Population group: Suitable for both men and women, only adults (18 years old or older)
Therapeutic intent: Palliative intent

Riluzole is indicated to extend life or the time to mechanical ventilation for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Clinical trials have demonstrated that riluzole extends survival for patients with ALS. Survival was defined as patients who were alive, not intubated for mechanical ventilation and tracheotomy-free.

There is no evidence that riluzole exerts a therapeutic effect on motor function, lung function, fasciculations, muscle strength and motor symptoms. Riluzole has not been shown to be effective in the late stages of ALS.

Safety and efficacy of riluzole has only been studied in ALS. Therefore, riluzole should not be used in patients with any other form of motor neurone disease.

For this indication, competent medicine agencies globally authorize below treatments:

100 mg in 2 divided doses daily

For: Adults (18-64) Elders (65+)

Dosage regimens

Oral, 50 milligrams, 2 times daily.

Detailed description

The recommended daily dose in adults or older people is 100 mg (50 mg every 12 hours).

No significant increased benefit can be expected from higher daily doses.

Active ingredient

Riluzole is proposed to act by inhibiting glutamate processes. The mode of action is unclear. It is suggested that glutamate (the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system) plays a role for cell death in the ALS disease.

Read more about Riluzole

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