Edaravone oral: what it treats, how to take it, side effects
Last updated September 7, 2026.
**Edaravone oral is a prescription antioxidant medicine used to treat ALS.** It may help limit oxidative nerve damage, although its exact action in ALS is unknown. Its sulfite ingredient can trigger serious allergic reactions, including breathing problems.
What does it treat?
If you have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), your neurologist may prescribe Radicava ORS to help slow loss of daily function. ALS damages nerves controlling movement, causing progressive weakness and difficulty walking, speaking, swallowing, or breathing.
How do you take it?
Take the liquid by mouth or feeding tube: 105 mg (5 mL) each scheduled morning after overnight fasting. Start with 14 daily doses, then 14 days off; later cycles use 10 dosing days within 14 days, then 14 days off. Do not exceed 105 mg daily or take doses on days 15 through 28. Shake for 30 seconds and use the supplied syringe. Follow the food timing below. Take a missed dose when remembered unless the next is near; then skip it. Never double up or extend treatment into off days. Stop and contact your doctor immediately for a new rash or hives.
Side effects to know
- Common: You may experience bruising, walking difficulties, headache, or fatigue.
- Serious: Stop taking edaravone and get immediate medical help for hives or a spreading rash. Call 911 for breathing trouble, throat swelling, or fainting.
Who should not take it?
Do not take it if you are allergic to edaravone or its ingredients. Discuss asthma, sulfite sensitivity, severe kidney disease, all medicines, pregnancy, and breastfeeding with your doctor first. Animal studies suggest fetal harm; human pregnancy and breast milk data are lacking. The label gives no specific alcohol limit.
When is it an emergency?
For overdose, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately, even without symptoms. Call 911 for collapse or breathing trouble. Throat swelling or fainting after a dose can signal anaphylaxis.
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Common questions
What is the maximum daily dose?
Do not exceed 105 mg (5 mL) on a scheduled dosing day. Take only one dose that day. Keep the prescribed days off.
Can I drink alcohol?
The FDA label specifies no alcohol limit or direct alcohol interaction. That does not establish that drinking is safe for you. Ask your clinician to review alcohol alongside your ALS symptoms and other medicines.
Can I take it during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Contact your prescriber before treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Animal studies found developmental harm. Effects on human pregnancy, breast milk, and nursing infants are unknown. Decide with your clinician whether treatment or breastfeeding should continue.
How long do I need to fast?
Wait 8 hours after a high-fat meal, 4 hours after a low-fat meal, or 2 hours after a 250-calorie supplement. Take your dose in the morning. Afterward, have only water for 1 hour. Ask your pharmacist to fit tube feeds into this schedule.
What are the signs of overdose?
The patient information lists no specific overdose symptoms. Do not wait for symptoms before calling Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 for collapse, a seizure, breathing trouble, or inability to wake up.
Can I take it with other medicines?
Give your pharmacist your full medication and supplement list. Include nonprescription products and planned changes. Ask for a written schedule that accounts for each medicine's food instructions.