Drug Title

Maxalt (Rizatriptan)

Application

Maxalt (Rizatriptan) is a selective serotonin receptor agonist that works by narrowing dilated blood vessels in the brain. It is used for treating acute migraine headaches.

Application method

The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

You must take the dose when you have a migraine headache and take it with a full glass of water. The second dose is required only if the headache or its symptoms recur.

The dosage is three times a day and the doses should be spaced out evenly. The maximum permitted dosage per day should not exceed 30mg unless advised otherwise.

Ask your doctor for answers to health questions you may have concerning the use of Maxalt.

Mechanism of action

Maxalt is a selective serotonin receptor agonist. It works by narrowing dilated blood vessels in the brain, reducing migraine headaches.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Maxalt then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Keeping

Store it at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Precautionary measures

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances.

Maxalt may cause drowsiness. These effects get aggravated if you take it with alcohol or certain other medications (sleep aids, muscle relaxers). So, do not drive or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how your body reacts to the drug.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or you are taking ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine) or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (e.g., phenelzine) within the past 14 days, you have taken another serotonin receptor agonist (e.g., sumatriptan) within the last 24 hours, you have a history of chest pain, blood flow or heart conditions, ischemic heart disease, irregular heartbeat, stroke, or uncontrolled high blood pressure.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Maxalt and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Maxalt is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Maxalt may affect your blood sugar level and may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. Contact your doctor immediately if these symptoms occur.

Maxalt should not be used in children below 18 years of age as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.

Do not use it to prevent headaches. Also if your headache is different from a typical migraine attack, then consult your doctor before using Maxalt.

Precautionary measures

Consult your doctor if any of these most extensive side effects remain or become frequent:

• diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, weakness.

Contact your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, heavy breathing, mouth, face, lips or tongue swelling), bloody diarrhea, vision changes, chest pain, tingling or numbness of hands or legs, fainting or unsteadiness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, pain or heaviness in jaw or neck, stomachache, unusual weakness.

Additional information

Maxalt should be used only on prescription.
If symptoms do not improve or become worse, consult your doctor.