Almogran

How does it work?

Almotriptan belongs to a group of medicines known as serotonin (or 5HT) agonists. It works by stimulating serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin is a natural substance in the brain that (among other things) causes blood vessels in the brain to narrow. Almotriptan mimics this action of serotonin by directly stimulating the serotonin receptors in the brain. This causes the blood vessels to narrow. 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. As almotriptan narrows these blood vessels, it relieves the pain of migraine headaches.

What is it used for?

Treatment of migraine

Warning!

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

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.

This medicine is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age, as there is no information regarding its safety and efficacy in this age group.

Use with caution in

Allergy to medicines from the sulphonamide group, eg the antibiotic sulphamethoxazole

Diabetes

Elderly people

Family history of disease involving the heart and blood vessels

High blood cholesterol levels

Men over 40 years

Mild to moderately decreased liver function

Obesity

Post-menopausal women

Severely decreased kidney function

Smokers

Not to be used in

A form of angina pectoris, characterized by severe pain that is not caused by exertion (Prinzmetal's angina), or a history of this

Current or previous angina

Heart disease caused by inadequate blood flow to the heart

History of heart attack

History of small temporary strokes

History of stroke

Narrowing of blood vessels in the extremities

Severely decreased liver function

Uncontrolled 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.

The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine may pass into breast milk and it should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers. Exposure of the baby to the medicine can be minimised by not breastfeeding for 24 hours following a dose. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Dry mouth

Diarrhoea

Fatigue

Indigestion (dyspepsia)

Pins and needles (paraesthesia)

Awareness of your heartbeat (palpitations)

Dizziness

Nausea and vomiting

Sensation of ringing, or other noise in the ears (tinnitus)

Pain in the muscles (myalgia)

Sleepiness (somnolence)

Weakness or loss of strength (asthenia)

Chest pain

Feeling of tightness in the throat

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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