Riluzol PMCS 50 mg 56 tab.

Riluzole PMCS 50 mg

Tablets, 56 pieces per pack.

One of the main drugs designed to slow down the development of motor neuron disease (ALS)

Composition

The main active ingredient of the drug is Riluzole, in one tablet – 50mg.

Auxiliary components of the tablet core: calcium phosphate dibasic anhydrous, microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, sodium croscarmellose.

Auxiliary components of the shell: hypromellose, macrogol 6000 (polyethylene glycol 6000), E 171 (titanium dioxide).

Pharmacological properties

Muscle control in the human body is carried out through electrical impulses from the brain, which pass through the system of motor neurons. These impulses are transmitted from one motor neuron to another due to the release of a chemical mediator. Most motor neurons have a mediator called glutamate, but its high concentrations are toxic. Riluzole acts in such a way that it blocks its activity. Riluzole is prescribed to people with ALS because it has an antiglutamate effect and slightly slows down the course of the disease.

Riluzole is not a medicine, it does not repair damaged neurons. After 18 months of therapy, the effect of Riluzole can extend the average life expectancy by two to four months. The symptoms of those who take Riluzole do not differ from those of patients who have not received it, but a psychological factor also plays a role here.

In order for Riluzole to be as effective as possible, it seems to make sense to start it at the very beginning of the disease. As shown by four patient studies in which 1,477 participants received Riluzole or placebo, the effect of Riluzole is there, but it is small.

The effects of the drug on a large group of people cannot be directly transferred to a specific patient. Thus, despite the statistics, it is not known for sure whether the drug will help a certain patient or not. This is directly related to the fact that BASS affects everyone in different ways.

Riluzole can increase life expectancy by several months, and so far it is the only drug that somehow affects the course of ALS. In addition, taking the drug may give additional hope to a patient with ALS.

Indications for use

Riluzole is indicated for patients suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), otherwise known as Charcot's disease.

The use of the drug Riluzole helps to slow down the course of ALS disease and allows to increase the patient's life expectancy, on average, by 3-6 months.

Method of application and dosage

Riluzole should be taken a few hours before or after a meal. The standard daily dose of Riluzole is 100 mg, 50 mg twice a day (with an interval of 12 hours). The duration of the therapeutic course is determined by the attending physician for each patient individually.

If the patient has problems swallowing, the tablets can be broken up and mixed with one teaspoon of sugar. However, in crushed form, the tablet may have a slight numbing effect on the oral cavity. When crushed, it is better to mix the tablet with soft foods, such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, ice cream or a drink, to facilitate intake, and then consume it as usual. As soon as the tablet is ground, it must be taken immediately.

Riluzole is not recommended to be diluted in water, since it does not dissolve in it.

Attention! Tablets should not be crushed when fed through a gastrostomy, as this may block the lumen of the tube. If the usual oral use of Riluzole becomes problematic, consult your doctor.

Some people may reconsider their views on taking Riluzole for a long time if its use becomes difficult or in the later stages of ALS.

Side effects

The use of the drug Riluzole may be accompanied by the development of side effects with varying frequency:

the level of alanine aminotransferase in the blood plasma may increase, which, as a rule, decreases after several months of treatment with the drug (regular monitoring is necessary);

common side effects include: tachycardia, paresthesia, increased drowsiness, dizziness, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and the development of asthenic syndrome;

less often, the development of the following adverse reactions is observed: headaches, severe forms of anemia, neutropenia;

in isolated cases, angioedema, anaphylactic reaction, pancreatitis, hepatitis may occur.

These side effects are not dangerous and can be eliminated, for example, by reducing the dose of the drug or stopping taking it.

Patients should take into account that dizziness will affect the ability to drive a car.

There is no evidence of side effects of Riluzole when taken with other medications.

Contraindications

The drug Riluzole is contraindicated in patients with the following conditions and diseases:

in childhood;

during pregnancy and lactation;

kidney failure;

functional disorders of the liver;

increased levels of alanine aminotransferase (five times higher than normal);

increased individual sensitivity to any of the components of the drug.

Interaction with other medicines

Simultaneous administration of Riluzole and caffeine, diclofenac, amitriptyline, quinoline, theophylline, fluvoxamine, phenacetin, clomapromide, nicerogoline, imipramine, diazepam is not recommended, since these drugs are capable of inhibiting cytochromes P450, which leads to a decrease in the elimination rate of the active substance of the drug.

Overdose

In the case of using the drug Riluzole in a dosage exceeding the permissible one, patients may experience the development of the following conditions:

comatose state;

psychiatric symptoms;

neurological symptoms;

methemoglobinemia.

There is no antidote to the drug Riluzole. In case of overdose, symptomatic therapy is required.

Storage conditions

It is necessary to store the drug Riluzole in a dry place, inaccessible to children. The recommended storage temperature is 25°C.

Shelf life of the drug

3 years.