Rilutek (Riluzole) Drug Information: Overdosage and Contraindications

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May 27, 2012

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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 function, the muscles gradually weake...

Read the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) article »

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OVERDOSE

No specific antidote or information on treatment of overdosage with RILUTEK (riluzole) is available. In the event of overdose, RILUTEK (riluzole) therapy should be discontinued immediately. Experience with riluzole overdose in humans is limited. Neurological and psychiatric symptoms, acute toxic encephalopathy with stupor, coma, and methemoglobinemia have been observed in isolated cases. Treatment should be supportive and directed toward alleviating symptoms.

Severe methemoglobinemia may be rapidly reversible after treatment with methylene blue. The estimated oral median lethal dose is 94 mg/kg and 39 mg/kg for male mice and rats, respectively.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

RILUTEK (riluzole) is contraindicated in patients who have a history of severe hypersensitivity reactions to riluzole or any of the tablet components.

Last reviewed on RxList: 8/4/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.