Maxalt

Common Name: rizatriptan

How does Maxalt work?

Rizatriptan is used to treat migraine headaches. The pain of migraine headaches is thought to be caused by dilated blood vessels inside the head. Rizatriptan belongs to a class of drugs known as 5-hydroxytryptamine agonists that relieve migraine headaches by constricting these blood vessels. Rizatriptan is most effective if taken at the first sign of a migraine headache. The tablets are not effective for other types of headache. Relief from the pain associated with migraine occurs quickly, with maximum pain relief occurring about two hours after taking the medication. Your doctor may choose to use this medication for other conditions not listed here. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use Maxalt?

The recommended initial adult dose of rizatriptan is 5 mg. In some cases, an initial dose of 10 mg may be used. The dose should be taken at the first sign of migraine headache pain. If the migraine headache comes back after being relieved, another dose (5 mg to 10 mg) may be taken no sooner than two hours after the first dose was taken. The maximum recommended single dose is 10 mg. No more than 20 mg of rizatriptan should be taken in any 24-hour period. If your headache pain is different from your usual migraines, do not take rizatriptan; call your doctor. Rizatriptan is not to be used for headache prevention. For the wafer form of rizatriptan (Maxalt-RPD®), it is not necessary to take the wafer with water. The wafer is packaged in a blister with an outer aluminum pouch. Do not remove the wafer from the package until you are ready to use it. When you are ready, peel open the blister pack with dry hands and place the wafer on your tongue. Allow the wafer to dissolve on your tongue, and swallow. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without talking to your doctor. Always take rizatriptan exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

What form(s) does Maxalt come in?

Maxalt® tablets are available in 5 mg and 10 mg dosages. 5 mg: Each pale pink, capsule-shaped tablet, embossed with the code "MSD" on one side and "266" on the other, contains: rizatriptan 5 mg (corresponding to 7.265 mg of the benzoate salt). 10 mg: Each pale pink, capsule-shaped tablet, embossed with the code "MSD 267" on one side and "MAXALT" on the other, contains: rizatriptan 10 mg (corresponding to 14.53 mg of the benzoate salt). Nonmedicinal ingredients: red ferric oxide, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and pregelatinized starch. The tablets do not contain yeast or gluten.

What should I NOT take with Maxalt?

Rizatriptan should not be taken by people who: suffer from angina (chest pain) have heart disease (e.g., heart valve disease, abnormal heart rhythms, congenital heart disease) have blood vessel disease (e.g., ischemic bowel disease, Raynaud's syndrome, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)) have high blood pressure that is severe or not under control have taken another 5-hydroxytryptamine agonist (i.e., naratriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan) in the previous 24 hours have taken ergotamine-containing or ergot-type medication (such as dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, or methysergide) in the previous 24 hours have certain types of migraine headaches (including hemiplegic, ophthalmoplegic or basilar migraine) have taken any of the class of drugs known as MAO inhibitors (see "What other medications could interact with this medication?" below) in the previous 2 weeks have severely reduced liver function are allergic to the product or any of its components

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Maxalt?

Medical conditions: This medication should be used with caution in people who have: kidney disease liver disease certain risk factors for heart disease (e.g., high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes, family history of coronary artery disease, menopause, men over 40 years of age) a history of seizures or other conditions that increase their risk of seizures Allergic reactions: Rare, severe allergic reactions to rizatriptan may occur. Because of the possibility of allergic reaction, people who are allergic to any of the other drugs of this class (5-hydroxytryptamine agonists) should not use rizatriptan. Occupational hazards: This medication may cause drowsiness, which may impair your ability to operate a vehicle or engage in dangerous activities that require alertness. Pregnancy: Rizatriptan has not been adequately studied with pregnant women. It should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Breast-feeding: It is not known if rizatriptan passes into breast milk. It should not be used while breast-feeding unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks to the infant. Children: Rizatriptan has not been studied with persons under 18 years and so is not recommended for them. Seniors: The safety and effectiveness of rizatriptan have not been adequately studied in people over 65 years. Its use in this age group is not recommended.