Maxalt (rizatriptan)
General Information on Maxalt
Maxalt, with active ingredient rizatriptan benzoate, belongs to a class of drugs known as triptans. The drug is used for treating migraine headaches. The drug is used for treating only an ongoing migraine attack. It is not used for preventing migraine attacks. The drug works by narrowing down the blood vessels surrounding the brain. During a migraine attack, some blood vessels widen up, thus leading to severe pain. By bringing these blood vessels back to their normal state, the drug helps in relieving the symptoms of migraine.
Precautions/side effects of Maxalt
Maxalt has the active ingredient rizatriptan. Patients allergic to rizatriptan should refrain from using this drug. Other than that, patients with high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, angina or ischemic bowel disease should also not use this drug. Patients with high cholesterol levels, diabetes, kidney disease or liver disease should use this drug only after consultation with a doctor.
The drug is known to react with certain other medications used for treating migraine such as naratriptan, zolmitriptan etc. Patients should refrain from taking Maxalt for at least 24 hours after taking any other migraine treating drug. Maxalt is also known to react with certain other medications such as propanolol and antidepressants like fluoxetine, venlafaxine, citalopram. Patients on any of these drugs should inform the doctor accordingly before taking Maxalt.
Maxalt is a Category C pregnancy drug. It may have adverse effects on the unborn as well as the newborn child. Thus, pregnant women as well as women who are breastfeeding should take this drug only after consultation with a doctor.
The drug is also known to have certain side effects such as dryness of the mouth, dizziness, nausea or hot flushes. However, in certain cases, serious side effects may show up to the drug such as severe pain in the abdomen, bloody diarrhea, pain in the chest, irregular heartbeat, sweating or bluish toes or fingers. If any of these symptoms show up after taking Maxalt, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Important safety information
- The drug is known to cause dizziness. Thus, risky tasks which require concentration such as driving or working on machinery should be avoided immediately after taking the drug.
- Patients with phenylketonuria should take this drug only after consultation with a doctor as it may contain traces of phenylalanine.
- The dosage of Maxalt should not exceed 30 mg in a day.
Dosage of Maxalt
Maxalt is available as 5 mg and 10 mg tablets. The usual dosage of the drug is 5 mg once daily. However, the actual dosage may differ depending on the response of the patient.
The drug can be taken with or without food. However, it should not be swallowed as a whole. It should be kept in the mouth and allowed to dissolve slowly. Doses of the drug should be separated by at least 2 hours. Overdose of the drug should be avoided at all costs. If a dose is missed, it should be had as soon as possible. However, it should not be clubbed with the next dose. Overdose of the drug can lead to severe symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, abnormally high blood pressure etc. which require immediate medical attention.
Storage of Maxalt
Maxalt should be stored at room temperature, in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight. It should be kept out of reach of children and pets at all times.