The Basics
What is Riluzole?
Used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease).
Brand names for Riluzole
Rilutek
How Riluzole is classified
Anticonvulsants, Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists, Neuroprotective Agents
Riluzole During Pregnancy
Riluzole pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Riluzole while pregnant
N/A
Taking Riluzole While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Riluzole?
Limited information indicates that maternal doses of riluzole up to 100 mg daily produce low levels in milk and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants, especially if the infant is older than 2 months. Until more data are available, use riluzole with caution, particularly when breastfeeding a newborn.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Limited information indicates that maternal doses of riluzole up to 100 mg daily produce low levels in milk and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants, especially if the infant is older than 2 months. Until more data are available, use riluzole with caution, particularly when breastfeeding a newborn.
Possible effects of Riluzole on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Riluzole
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Datta P, Rewers-Felkins K, Aurora N et al. Estimation of riluzole levels in human milk and infant exposure during its use in a patient with ALS. J Hum Lact. 2018;34:355-7. PMID: 29100479
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
