Which medication has been shown to slow progression of ALS?

Which medication has been shown to slow progression of ALS?

• A. Riluzole
• B. Warfarin
• C. Levodopa
• D. Codeine

Answer: (A)

Riluzole is the medication shown to slow the progression of ALS. It helps protect motor neurons by reducing glutamate-related excitotoxicity, a process implicated in motor neuron degeneration. By decreasing glutamate release and modulating neuronal excitability, riluzole can modestly extend survival and slow functional decline in ALS patients, typically by a few months in trials. The other drugs listed do not have disease-modifying effects in ALS: Warfarin is an anticoagulant, Levodopa treats Parkinson’s symptoms, and Codeine is an analgesic.

Riluzole is the medication shown to slow the progression of ALS. It helps protect motor neurons by reducing glutamate-related excitotoxicity, a process implicated in motor neuron degeneration. By decreasing glutamate release and modulating neuronal excitability, riluzole can modestly extend survival and slow functional decline in ALS patients, typically by a few months in trials. The other drugs listed do not have disease-modifying effects in ALS: Warfarin is an anticoagulant, Levodopa treats Parkinson’s symptoms, and Codeine is an analgesic.