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GENERIC NAME: RILUZOLE ORAL TABLETS (RYE-luzz-ohl)

BRAND NAME(S): Rilutek

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease).

HOW TO USE: Take this by mouth exactly as directed usually every 12 hours. Try to take this at the same times each day. This is best taken on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after a meal. Do not increase the dose or take this more often than prescribed. There is no increased benefit from higher doses but the risk of side effects is increased.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, diarrhea, constipation and tingling or numbness around the mouth may occur. If these symptoms continue or become severe, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: breathing trouble, cough, fever, chills, sore throat, swelling of the hands or feet, skin rash, muscle aches. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this, tell your doctor if you have: liver disease, kidney disease, any allergies. Use caution driving or operating machinery if this makes you drowsy or dizzy. Limit alcohol intake. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Breast-feeding is not recommended while taking this drug. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any nonprescription or prescription medication you may use, particularly: theophylline, caffeine, amitriptyline, rifampin, omeprazole, sulfasalazine, quinolone antibiotics, allopurinol, methyldopa. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.





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You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) - Learn about Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS / Amotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) a neurological disease that attacks the neurons (nerve cells) reponsible for the control of voluntary muscles.
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riluzole oral tablets, Rilutek

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) »

What is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), sometimes called Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rapidly progressive, invariably fatal neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells (neurons) responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. The disease belongs to a group of disorders known as motor neuron diseases, which are characterized by the gradual degeneration and death of motor neurons.

Motor neurons are nerve cells located in the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord that serve as controlling units and vital communication links between the nervous system and the voluntary muscles of the body. Messages from motor neurons in the brain (called upper motor neurons) are transmitted to motor neurons in the spinal cord (called lower motor neurons) and from them to particular muscles. In ALS, both the upper motor neurons and the lower motor neurons degenerate or die, ceasing to send messages to muscles. Unable to func...

Read the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) article »


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riluzole oral tablets, Rilutek Related Articles


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