Relpax (eletriptan hydrobromide)
General Information on Relpax
Relpax, with active ingredient eletriptan hydrobromide, belongs to a class of drugs known as triptans. The drug is used for relieving the symptoms of migraine headache. The drug is not used for preventing migraine headaches. Rather, it is just used for treating an ongoing migraine attack. Migraine attacks happen when certain blood vessels surrounding the brain widen. The drug works by making these blood vessels return to their normal state, thus relieving the symptoms of migraine.
Precautions/side effects of Relpax
Relpax contains the active ingredient eletriptan. Patients allergic to eletriptan or other kinds of triptans such as Zoloft etc. should refrain from using this drug. Other than that, patients with angina, liver disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure or a history of stroke should inform the doctor before taking Relpax.
The drug is also known to react with certain medications such as triptans like Zolmitriptan, Rizatriptan etc. and other medicines like citalopram, flouxetine, nefazodone, peroxitine etc. Patients on any of these drugs should inform the doctor accordingly before taking Relpax.
Relpax is a Category C pregnancy drug. It can have adverse effects on the fetus as well as the newborn. Thus, pregnant women as well as women who are breastfeeding should take this drug only after due consultation with the doctor.
The drug is also known to have certain side effects such as dizziness, weakness, nausea and drowsiness. However, in certain cases, serious side effects may show up to the drug such as dry mouth, pain in the chest, difficulty in swallowing and severe headache. If any of these symptoms show up after taking the drug, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Important safety information
- The drug should not be had within 24 hours of taking another triptan such as almotriptan, sumptriptan etc.
- The drug should not be used when taking medicines used for treating depression such as flouxetine, duloxetine etc. The drug is known to lead to serious serotonin effects when used with antidepressants.
- The drug is known to cause drowsiness. Thus, risky tasks which require concentration such as driving or working on heavy machinery should be avoided immediately after taking the medicine.
- Alcohol consumption should be avoided while using this drug. Alcohol is known to increase the risk of side effects to the drug.
Dosage of Relpax
Relpax is available as 20 mg and 40 mg tablets. The usual dosage of the drug is 20 mg at the time when the migraine attack starts. However, the dosage may be increased to 40 mg in case the migraine headache is very severe.
The drug can be taken with or without food. However, not more than two tablets should be taken in a day. Two doses of the drug should be separated by at least 2 hours. The drug should be had only when a migraine attack starts. 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 Relpax
Relpax should be stored at room temperature, in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight. It should be stored away from reach of children as well as pets at all times.
