Riluket (Tablet)
Indications
Therapeutic Class
Pharmacology
- 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.
Dosage & Administration
Interaction
Strong to moderate CYP1A2 inducers: Coadministration may result in decreased efficacy
Hepatotoxic drugs: Riluzole-treated patients that take other hepatotoxic drugs may be at increased risk for hepatotoxicity
Contraindications
Side Effects
Pregnancy & Lactation
Lactation: It is not known if riluzole is excreted in human milk. Riluzole 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 Riluzole is unknown.
Precautions
In clinical studies, the incidence of elevations in hepatic transaminases was greater in Riluzoletreated patients than placebo-treated patients. The incidence of elevations of ALT above 5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) was 2% in Riluzole-treated patients. Maximum increases in ALT occurred within 3 months after starting Riluzole. About 50% and 8% of Riluzoletreated 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 Riluzole is not recommended if patients develop hepatic transaminases levels greater than 5 times the ULN. Discontinue Riluzole 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 Riluzole treatment have been reported. Advise patients to report febrile illnesses.
Interstitial Lung Disease: Interstitial lung disease, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, has occurred in patients taking Riluzole. Discontinue Riluzole immediately if interstitial lung disease develops.