Drug Name

Maxalt (Rizatriptan)

Drug Uses

Maxalt is used for treating acute migraine headache with or without aura (flashing lights, wavy lines, dark spots) in adults. It should not be used to prevent migraines or cluster headaches.

How to use

Use Maxalt as directed by your doctor.

• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Maxalt is usually taken three times a day (every 8 hours).
• Take a single dose of Maxalt as soon as migraine symptoms appear. A second dose may be taken if there is only a partial response or symptoms of the migraine return. However, do not take it sooner than 2 hours following the first dose. Do not take more than 30 milligrams (mg) in a 24-hour period.

Drug Class and Mechanism

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

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Maxalt, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Maxalt at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Maxalt out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Maxalt if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Maxalt;
• 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.

• Maxalt may cause dizziness or drowsiness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Maxalt with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Maxalt is not intended to prevent or reduce the number of migraine attacks that you experience.
• If you have a headache that is different than your usual migraine attacks, check with your doctor before using Maxalt.
• Diabetes patients - Maxalt may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Maxalt should not be used in children younger than 18 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Maxalt while you are pregnant. It is not known if Maxalt is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Maxalt , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

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

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody diarrhea; changes in vision; chest pain, heaviness, or pressure; cold, tingling, or numb hands or feet; fainting or unsteadiness; fast or irregular heartbeat; pain or tightness in jaw or neck; stomach pain; unusual weakness.

More Information

Maxalt is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.