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Edaravone

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: July 26, 2026

Edaravone is a free radical scavanger medication used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It is believed to work by reducing oxidative stress, which may help slow the decline in physical function associated with ALS. Edaravone is available as both an intravenous infusion (RADICAVA) and oral formulation (RADICAVA ORS).

Quick summary

Edaravone is a medication used to slow functional decline in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by reducing oxidative stress.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed July 26, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
N07XX14
RxNorm
1921877
Generic
Edaravone
Class
atc-n07
Brands
Radicava
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
oral
Forms
injection, suspension
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
500mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
250mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
400mg daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Single dose that may cause serious toxicity - significantly exceeding the recommended 60mg IV dose
Chronic overdose: Cumulative doses exceeding therapeutic regimen over extended periods may lead to accumulation and toxicity
Immediate actions
discontinue infusion immediately, gastric lavage if within 1-2 hours, activated charcoal, supportive care, monitor vital signs and organ function
Antidote
no specific antidote(supportive care is primary treatment - effectiveness depends on timely intervention)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

10 groups
✗

pregnancy

first trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

pregnancy

second trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

pregnancy

third trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

?

lactation

breastfeeding
unknown
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not established

Key Recommendations

discontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug depending on risk-benefit assessment

Monitor

monitor infant for adverse effects

⚠

geriatric

elderly
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific dose adjustment

Key Recommendations

use with caution due to increased sensitivity

Monitor

monitor renal and hepatic function closely

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

?

pediatric_age

children adolescents
unknown
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not established

Key Recommendations

not recommended for use in pediatric patients due to limited safety and efficacy data

Monitor

not applicable

⚠

renal_impairment

mild renal impairment
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no dose adjustment required

Key Recommendations

use with caution and monitor renal function

Monitor

monitor serum creatinine and eGFR regularly

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

renal_impairment

moderate severe renal impairment
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific dose adjustment established

Key Recommendations

use with caution and monitor closely

Monitor

monitor renal function closely

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

mild hepatic impairment
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific dose adjustment

Key Recommendations

use with caution and monitor liver function

Monitor

monitor liver enzymes regularly

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

hepatic_impairment

moderate severe hepatic impairment
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

not recommended

Key Recommendations

avoid use in severe hepatic impairment

Monitor

monitor liver function closely if used

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

Statistics and clinical data

prescribingFDA
2023

FDA approval year

Value:2017

FDA approval for ALS treatment

drug_classFDA
2023

Drug class

Value:Free radical scavenger

Mechanism of action classification

indicationFDA
2023

Primary indication

Value:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Therapeutic indication

administrationFDA
2023

Route of administration

Value:Intravenous infusion

Dosage form and route

Treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to slow the decline in functional abilities associated with the disease.

Acts as a free radical scavenger that helps reduce oxidative stress, which may contribute to neuronal damage. The exact therapeutic mechanism in ALS patients is not fully understood.

Available as IV infusion (RADICAVA) or oral suspension (RADICAVA ORS). Treatment is given in cycles with administration periods followed by off periods. Common side effects include bruising, gait disturbance, and headaches. Monitor for allergic reactions and liver function. Not a cure for ALS but aims to slow disease progression.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy