A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Maxalt-MLT

Brand Names

; Maxalt® ; Maxalt-MLT™

Serotonin 5-HT1D Receptor Agonist

If you have an allergy to rizatriptan or any other part of the medicine.
If you have any of the following conditions: Ischemic heart disease, angina (chest pain or pressure coming from the heart), Prinzmetal's angina, high blood pressure that is not controlled, certain types of migraines.
If you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine) in the last 14 days.
If you have taken naratriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, or any rizatriptan-like medicine in the last 24 hours.
If you have taken a ergot-containing (methysergide, dihydroergotamine) medicine in the last 24 hours.

This medicine is used to get rid of or decrease the pain and symptoms of a migraine headache. It is not used to prevent future attacks.

Rizatriptan works by squeezing certain blood vessels in the brain and preventing irritation/inflammation.

Swallow tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
Take with liquids as early as possible after the attack has started.
If no headache relief within 2 hours after first dose, take another dose, up to 30 mg/day. There may be additional doses given at 2-hour intervals.
Do not take more than 30 mg as a total daily dose.
If you are taking propranolol, the maximum dose is 15 mg/day.

This medicine is taken on an as needed basis, not on a regularly scheduled one. It can be taken any time during the course of the headache, but sooner is better.

Do not take if you have a history of angina (chest pain from the heart), heart spasms, heart attack, or uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Do not take within 24 hours of other headache medicines. Talk with healthcare provider.
Tell healthcare provider if you are taking any medicines for depression. Certain medicines do not mix well with this medicine.
Tell healthcare provider if you have had any history of seizures or are on seizure medicine.
Use caution if you have risk factors for heart disease (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, overweight, diabetes, cigarette smoking, a male >40 years of age, other family members with heart disease, postmenopausal women). Talk with healthcare provider.
Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

Feeling sleepy, lightheaded, or dizzy. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
For the intranasal spray, a bad or unusual taste, nausea and vomiting, nasal cavity discomfort are common.
For the oral tablet and shot, tingling, warm sensation, flushing, and chest tightness, pressure, or heaviness are common. The shot also causes pain at the site of injection.

Watch for return of headache. Talk with healthcare provider if it changes from usual course or if it does not get better with medicine.

No relief of headache after treatment as above.
Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Chest pains, tightness, or heaviness, throat pain or tightness, fast heartbeats, or shortness of breath.
Too tired or sleepy.
Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
Any rash.

Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).