Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other motor neuron disorders : official publication of the World Federation of Neurology, Research Group on Motor Neuron Diseases
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Amyotroph. Lateral Scler. Other Motor Neuron Disord. · Sep 2003
ReviewRiluzole for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/motor neuron disease (MND).
Riluzole 100 mg probably prolongs survival in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by about two months and the safety of the drug is not a major concern. The evidence from randomized controlled trials indicates that patients taking riluzole probably survive longer than patients taking placebo. The beneficial effects are very modest and the drug is expensive. Adverse effects from riluzole are relatively minor and for the most part reversible after stopping the drug. Riluzole has been approved for treatment of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in many countries but not all. Questions persist about its clinical utility because of high cost, modest efficacy and concern over adverse effects. ⋯ Riluzole 100 mg daily is reasonably safe and probably prolongs survival by about two months in patients with ALS. More studies are needed, especially to clarify its effect in older patients (over 75 years), and those with more advanced disease.