Medicine & USMLE

Riluzole

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Other Neuro Pharm
  1. Ramelteon
  2. Triptans
  3. Benzodiazepines - Function
  4. Zolpidem Zaleplon Eszopiclone
  5. Suvorexant
  6. Bromocriptine (Ergot Dopamine Agonists)
  7. Pramipexole, Ropinirole
  8. Amantadine
  9. Levodopa, Carbidopa
  10. Entacapone, Tolcapone
  11. Selegiline and Rasagiline
  12. Benztropine, Trihexyphenidyl
  13. Tetrabenazine
  14. Baclofen
  15. Memantine
  16. Riluzole
  17. Full Opioid Agonists
  18. Partial Opioid Agonists
  19. Dextromethorphan
  20. Tramadol
  21. Naloxone
  22. Naltrexone

Summary

Riluzole is a medication used to slow down the progress of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS. It acts by several mechanisms that reduce glutamate excitotoxicity in neurons. This reduces motor neuron degeneration and improves survival in ALS.

Key Points

  • Riluzole
    • Mechanism
      • Reduces glutamate excitotoxicity in neurons
      • Varied mechanisms (Na+, GABA, glutamate, NMDA)
    • Clinical Use
      • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
        • Only medication to slow disease progression