Maxalt

How does it work?

Rizatriptan belongs to a group of medicines known as serotonin (or 5HT) agonists. It is used in the treatment of migraines. Although the cause of migraine attacks is not fully understood, it is thought that the widening of blood vessels in the brain causes the pain associated with migraine attacks. It is also believed that a chemical called serotonin (5HT) is released in the brain at the beginning of an attack. Serotonin causes the release of other chemicals which cause blood vessels in the brain to widen. Serotonin itself causes blood vessels in the brain to narrow. Rizatriptan binds to serotonin receptors in the brain, which causes the blood vessels to narrow. By decreasing the width of blood vessels in the brain rizatriptan relieves the pain of migraine headaches.

What is it used for?

Treatment of migraine

Warning!

This medicine should not be used to prevent migraines.

Do not exceed the recommended dose of this medicine, which will be stated in the product packaging or information leaflet supplied with the medicine.

This medicine should only be used by people with a clear diagnosis of migraine from their doctor.

People who suffer from phenylketonuria should be aware that Maxalt Melt contains phenylalanine (this does not apply to Maxalt tablets).

Use with caution in

Diabetes

Disruption of electrical message system in the heart (bundle branch block)

Heart disease

High blood pressure

Men over 40 years

Mild to moderately decreased kidney function

Mild to moderately decreased liver function

People over 65 years of age

Post-menopausal women

Smokers

Strong family history of coronary artery disease

Not to be used in

A severe form of angina pectoris, not caused by exertion

A type of migraine where there is a disturbance in brain function which initially presents with total blindness followed by dizziness, speach disturbances, ringing in the ears and double vision (basilar migraine)

Angina pectoris

Children or adolescents under 18 years of age

Coronary artery disease

Genitically inherited migraine which presents as paralysis of one side of the body

Heart disease caused by inadequate blood flow to the heart

History of heart attack

History of stroke

Moderate to severely decreased kidney function

Moderate to severely decreased liver function

Narrowing of blood vessels in the extremities

Small stroke caused by blood clots temporarily blocking blood vessels in the brain

Untreated mild high blood pressure

Very high blood pressure

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during pregnancy, therefore it is not recommended for use during pregnancy, unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine may pass into breast milk in small amounts. It should only be used during breastfeeding if the benefit to the mother outweighs any potential risk to the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.

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