Basic Information

o    Chemical Name: 2-Amino-6-trifluoromethoxybenzothiazole

o    English Name: Riluzole

o    CAS Number: 1744-22-5

o    Molecular Formula: C8H5F3N2OS

o    Molecular Weight: 234.20 g/mol

  Pharmacological Action

o    Drug Type: Riluzole is a benzothiazole derivative and is classified as a neuroprotective agent.

o    Mechanism of Action: Riluzole predominantly acts by inhibiting the release of glutamate and inactivating voltage-dependent sodium channels. The primary therapeutic effect is believed to be in conditions characterized by excessive glutamate activity, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

o    Glutamate Inhibition: By reducing glutamate release, it helps to prevent excitotoxicity, which is the nerve cell damage and death caused by excessive stimulation by neurotransmitters.

o    Sodium Channel Inactivation: It also stabilizes the inactivated state of sodium channels, which reduces neuronal excitability.