Health Library

Riluzole (By mouth)

Riluzole (RIL-ue-zole)

Treats amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Brand Name(s):

Exservan, Rilutek, Teglutik, Tiglutik

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Thin Sheet, Liquid, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Take this medicine at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
• Place the oral film on top of the tongue one at a time. The film will stick to the tongue and begin to dissolve. Do not cut or split it. Do not take it with liquids. Do not talk, chew, or spit while the film dissolves.
• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• If you are using the oral liquid:
  • This medicine can be taken by the mouth or be given via gastric tubes or PEG tubes.
  • Measure the oral liquid with the oral syringe that it comes with. Gently shake the oral liquid for at least 30 seconds before using it.
  • Your doctor will give you certain instructions on how to take this medicine through a tube.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose:
  • Oral liquid and oral film: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
  • Tablet: Skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Throw away any unused liquid after 15 days of opening the bottle.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how riluzole works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Allopurinol, ciprofloxacin, enoxacin, fluvoxamine, methoxsalen, methyldopa, mexiletine, sulfasalazine, thiabendazole, vemurafenib, zileuton
  • Birth control pills

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease or lung or breathing problems. Tell your doctor if you have Japanese ancestry.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Liver problems
  • Lung problems (including interstitial lung disease)
• This medicine lowers the number of white blood cells. This weakens your immune system, so you may get infections more easily. Wash your hands often. Avoid people who are sick.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Cough, trouble breathing
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024