What is the difference between Tiglutik and Rilutek?

Tiglutik is an oral suspension (liquid) and Rilutek is a tablet.

Tiglutik and Rilutek are both brand name products of the drug riluzole used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but they come in different formulations.

• Tiglutik is an easy-to-swallow, thickened, oral suspension of riluzole given twice daily via the supplied oral syringe. The thickened formula may be easier for some ALS patients to swallow.
• Rilutek comes as an oral 50 mg, film-coated tablet.
• Both drugs should be taken twice a day at least one hour before or two hours after a meal.

Riluzole works by decreasing levels of glutamate, an amino acid in the body that affects nerves that send messages from the brain to muscles. People with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis may have high levels of glutamate, which can damage these nerve cells leading to loss of motor control.

Learn more: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Evolving Science For a Fatal Disease