How does it work?

Although the mode of action of riluzole is unclear, it is suggested that it acts by inhibiting glutamate-mediated processes. The cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is not fully understood but it is believed that glutamate, a neuro-transmitter chemical, plays a role in cell death in this disease.Riluzole treatment extends life for patients or lengthens the time before mechanical ventilation is required.

What is it used for?

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Warning!

• This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

Use with caution in

• Children and adolescents under 18 years of age
• Decreased kidney function
• Decreased liver function
• Low levels of a type of white blood cell (neutrophils) in the blood (neutropenia)

Not to be used in

• Breastfeeding
• Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient
• Pregnancy
• Severe liver disease

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

• This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
• This medicine should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Discuss this with your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Sleepiness (somnolence)
• Alteration in results of liver function tests
• Weakness or loss of strength (asthenia)
• Noticeably increased heart rate (symptomatic tachycardia)
• A tingling sensation or numbness in the hands, feet or around the lips or mouth

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

There are no reported interactions.In theory, the following could decrease the turnover of riluzole, leading to higher blood levels:caffeinediclofenacdiazepamnicergolineclomipramineimipraminefluvoxaminetheopyllineamitriptylinequinolone antibioticsIn theory, the following could increase the turnover of riluzole, leading to lower blood levels:rifampicin omeprazolecigarette smoke

Other medicines containing the same active ingredients