Riluzole is a neuroprotective agent used in the treatment of motor neurone disease.
The precise mechanism of action of riluzole is unclear, however evidence supports a reduction in glutamate-induced excitotoxicity by three mechanisms: noncompetitive blockade of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors, inhibition of the release of presynaptic glutamic acid, and inactivation of voltage-dependent sodium channels.
Motor neurone disease (MND) is a neuromuscular disorder that progressively results in widespread muscle weakness, leading to death within 3-4 years of onset.
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A joint initiative of the Patient Services Section and the Drug and Therapeutics Information Service of the Pharmacy Department, Repatriation General Hospital, Daw Park, South Australia. The RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin is distributed in electronic format on a weekly basis, and aims to present concise, factual information on issues of current interest in therapeutics, drug safety and cost-effective use of medications.
Editor: Assoc. Prof. Chris Alderman, University of South Australia – Director of Pharmacy, RGH © Pharmacy Department, Repatriation General Hospital, Daw Park, South Australia 5041.
