Rilutek and/or Equivalents
| Drug | Related Drug Names |
|---|---|
| Rilutek 50mg and/or Equivalents | Rilutek, Riluzole |
Rilutek (riluzole)
Rilutek Description
Rilutek is a Safoni-Aventis product and the brand name for the drug Riluzole. It is manufactured in the form of a film coated, white colored, capsule shaped tablet, with the letters RPR 202 etched on one of its faces. The drug is used to delay the mortality of patients suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This is a disease that strikes the neurons in the brain and damages them. Rilutek retards the worsening of ALS and hence helps the patient keep off the ventilator for a longer time.
Conditions treated by Rilutek
Rilutek is used to treat a nerve condition called Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The drug is not a permanent cure for the disease. Nevertheless, the drug prevents the worsening of the condition by blocking glutamate receptors that cause damage to the motor neurons. The nerves of the brain and spinal cord are saved from rapid deterioration by the use of this drug.
Rilutek Dosage Information
a.) Typical Dosage Recommendation
The drug should be taken regularly as per the doctor's prescription. The tablet is swallowed through the mouth. The standard dosage of the medicine is 50 mg to be taken two times a day. In severe cases of the disease, the dosage may be increased even up to 100 mg. So, it important that the doctor's advice is strictly adhered to.
Rilutek should be taken an hour or two after meals so that there is no chance of the drug reacting with the food. Also, the effect of the drug might be diluted if taken immediately before or after eating.
The drug works differently for men and women. The dosage also varies accordingly. Side effect like dizziness was observed more in women than in men. Therefore, the drug should not be taken without medical guidance.
b.) Missing A Dose
It is important that you take the recommended dosage regularly. In order to help you remember, fix a particular time for the drug and take the drug at that time everyday. In case you miss, do not take the tablet again if the next tablet time is near because the drug causes severe side effects if taken in more quantities. There should be a gap of at least 10 to 12 hours between two intakes.
c.) Overdosing
Overdosing can be fatal. There are reported cases of massive strokes and death due to the overdose of the drug. If a patient overdoses, then rush him to the hospital immediately. The patient may be overcome with dizziness, nausea and severe abdominal pains if overdosing occurs.
Rilutek Warnings
The ingredients of the drug may cause allergies in some people. Although there have not been many cases of severe allergic reactions to this drug, if you do notice a rash, itching, swelling or burning on the skin, then consult a doctor immediately.
Rilutek is known to rise the quantity of ALT. So, for patients with a history of liver ailments, the drug must be prescribed with care keeping the dosage minimal. For patients who do not have a prior history of liver trouble, regular tests must be carried out to check the liver function. If there is any indication of sudden jaundice like symtoms mentioned above, then the drug should be discontinued. An increase in the incidence of jaundice has been noticed in the beginning three months of treatment.
Since one of the most prominent side effects of Rilutek is dizziness, the patient must refrain from activities like driving, walking long distances, climbing stairs, using machinery or even cooking. Alcohol and nicotine intake should be drastically cut down.
Pregnant women should be careful while using any kind of drug since it might affect the infant. Doctor should be told of the pregnancy and wherever possible, the drug should be avoided during this time.
As a person ages, the side effects of this drug increases. So, the elderly must be very cautious while taking this drug and pay special attention to any abnormal activity in the body like development of rashes, vomiting, severe abdominal pain and dizziness.
Rilutek Side effects
The intake of Rilutek can cause severe side effects, even causing death in cases where the patient was prescribed high dosage. The side effects of the drug are listed below.
Nausea Reduced lung capacity Vomiting Abdominal pains Diarrhea sthenia Circumoral paresthenia Somnolence Vertigo Anorexia Dizziness Pneumonia Chills and fevers
The dosage of Rilutek makes a lot of difference to the severity of the side effects. Among all the above-mentioned side effects, nausea, circumural paresthenia, diarrhea, anorexia, dizziness and somnolence were found to dependent upon the dosage. The side effects, which occur severely are constipation, nausea, pain in the abdomen and an increase in the quantity of the liver enzyme Alanine Transaminase (ALT), often forcing patients to give up the use of the drug.. The rise in ALT levels in the blood may cause jaundice like symptoms like yellow skin and eyes, deep yellow urine, vomiting, fever and abdominal pain.
Patients, who were given a 100 mg dose of Rilutek, also suffered from other side effects. The side effects were more pronounced in these patients. The adverse effects are listed below.
Constipation Symptoms of flu Bronchitis Apnea Respiratory problems Cardiac arrest Dyspnea Rise in the quantity of sputum Pneumonia Dysphagia In some cases, death also occurred.
Possible Drug Interactions With Rilutek
Although there has been no clinical research on the interaction of Rilutek with other drugs, a doctor must exercise caution while prescribing this drug because of its adverse side effects. Different people are allergic to different chemicals. Therefore, a patient must speak to the doctor about any chemical allergy that they may have so that their doctor can treat the patient accordingly. It is also important to inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements that you are currently using before starting treatment with Rilutek. Many drugs can interact with Rilutek. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:
- Zyloprim (allopurinol)
- Elavil (amitriptyline)
- Ridaura (auranofin)
- Aldomet (methyldopa)
- Prilosec (omeprazole)
- Azulfidine (sulfasalazine)
- Theo-24 (theophylline)
- Uniphyl (theophylline)
- Trexall (methotrexate)
- Or an ACE inhibitor such as those listed below:
- Rilutek can also interact with antibiotic medications such as:
- and antifungal medications such as:
- As well as some seizure medications such as:
This list is not a complete list of all the drugs that can interact with Rilutek and there are many other drugs that can interact with this medication. Tell your doctor about all medications you currently use as well as any over the counter medicines, vitamins and herbal products.Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare professional who treats you.
If you have any questions about buying discount Rilutek online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.
Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Rilutek and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information
