Maxalt (Rizatriptan)

Description

Maxalt (rizatriptan benzoate) is a medication prescribed for treating adults and children 6-17 years of age who have migraines with or without aura.

Maxalt should not be used to prevent migraines or to treat hemiplegic or basilar migraines.

Maxalt comes in a tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet for oral administration.

Directions

Take Maxalt exactly as your doctor has prescribed, who will determine an appropriate Maxalt dosage for you.

The safety and efficacy of taking more than 1 dose of Maxalt in 24 hours is unknown in children 6-17 years of age. Ask your doctor what to do if your headache does not go away or if it comes back.

For further usage instructions, carefully read the medication guide that accompanies your Maxalt prescription. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist about any questions or concerns you have.

Keep Maxalt stored between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C) and out of children’s reach.

Ingredients

Rizatriptan benzoate is the active ingredient in Maxalt.

Lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, ferric oxide (red), and magnesium stearate are the inactive ingredients in Maxalt tablets.

Gelatin, mannitol, glycine, aspartame, and peppermint flavor are the inactive ingredients in the orally disintegrating tablets.

Contraindications

Patients with any of the following conditions should not take Maxalt:

• Current or history of heart problems
• Current or a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack
• Current or a history of blood vessel problems such as ischemic bowel disease
• High blood pressure that is uncontrolled
• Hemiplegic or basilar migraines
• An allergy to any of the ingredients in the medication

Patients who take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), have taken an MAOI in the last 2 weeks, or have taken medications containing ergot or another triptan medication in the last 24 hours should not take Maxalt.

Cautions

• Before you begin taking Maxalt, discuss the following with your doctor:
• All the prescription and nonprescription medications you take
• Your allergies
• Your current health conditions
• Your past medical history
• Your pregnancy or breastfeeding status
• Do not drive, operate machinery, or participate in other potentially hazardous activities until you know how the medication affects you.

Side Effects

Maxalt side effects may include but are not limited to sleepiness or tiredness, pain or pressure in the chest or throat, and dizziness.

Seek medical care right away if you experience symptoms of a heart attack, stroke, blood vessel problems, serotonin syndrome, or high blood pressure:

• Symptoms of a heart attack: center chest discomfort that lasts longer than a few minutes or that goes away and comes back; uncomfortable chest pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain; pain/discomfort in the arms, neck, back, jaw, or stomach; shortness of breath; cold sweat; nausea or vomiting; lightheadedness
• Symptoms of a stroke: numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially if it’s on one side of the body; confusion; trouble speaking or understanding; vision problems in one or both of the eyes; trouble walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination; severe headache with no cause
• Symptoms of blood vessel problems: stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, vision problems, coldness and numbness of the hands and feet
• Symptoms of serotonin syndrome: agitation, hallucinations, coma, rapid heart rate, rapid blood pressure changes, elevated body temperature, muscle spasm, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Immediately contact your doctor if you experience any bothersome or persistent side effects while taking Maxalt.

Looking for a competitive cost of Maxalt? Here, you can buy Maxalt with a valid prescription from your doctor.

Reference

1. Maxalt. Jersey City, NJ: Organon & Co.; 2021.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....