Rizatriptan Orodispersable Tablets

What is Rizatriptan and what is it used for?

Orodispersible Rizatriptan tablets (generic name for Maxalt Wafers) are prescribed for migraine headaches during the headache stage. By working on the brain's serotonin receptors, this medication is a 5HT agonist that helps reduce swelling in blood vessels.

Rizatriptan 10mg is available in boxes that contain 6 orodisperable tablets that dissolve quickly on the tongue before swallowing, making them the ideal alternative for people who cannot or do not wish to swallow large tablets.

Who can take Rizatriptan?

Ritariptan is commonly prescribed for migraine headaches. Other types of headaches should not be treated with it.

Migraine usually causes severe, throbbing headaches accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and an aversion to bright lights (photophobia). They usually only occur on one side of the head, but not always. Migraines often begin with an aura (visual or sensory disturbances such as flashing lights) before the headache phase ensues. An attack typically lasts a few hours and then fades away without causing any symptoms.

How to take Rizatriptan

As soon as your headache starts, you should take rizatriptan. If taken earlier, it may not work.

• One tablet should be placed on the tongue and allowed to dissolve completely.
• A second dose should be taken at least 2 hours after the first one if ineffective.
• Do not exceed 2 tablets within 24 hours.

If you are taking propranolol or have kidney or liver problems, you should use the 5mg dose of Rizatriptan.

Rizatriptan and propranolol should be taken at least 2 hours apart.

Who should not use Rizatriptan?

Do not use rizatriptan without your doctor's approval if you have one of the following conditions:

• Serious liver or kidney disease.
• Over 65 years old.
• If you are a heavy smoker, a man over 40, or a woman past the menopause, you may be at extra risk of developing heart disease and may need extra checks from you doctor before taking rizatriptan.
• Headache is associated with dizziness, loss of coordination, or weakness of an arm or leg.
• Have had a heart attack, stroke, or mini-strokes (TIAs) in the past.
• Problems with poor circulation (peripheral vascular disease).
• Angina (heart pain on exertion).
• Irregular heart rhythm or ECG changes (e.g. bundle branch block).
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• History of fits or seizures.

Do not take rizatriptan if you have known allergy to other triptans.

Can Rizatriptan be taken in pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding?

The safety of rizatriptan during pregnancy is unknown. You should not take this medicine while pregnant or trying to get pregnant, without consulting your doctor.

It is not recommended to breastfeed or to use expressed breast milk within 24 hours of taking rizatriptan.

Rizatriptan side effects

Not everyone will experience side effects when they take Rizatriptan. However, if you do, they can include:

• dizziness
• tiredness
• tingling sensation
• further headache
• difficulty sleeping
• heart palpitations
• flushing
• sore throat
• nausea
• neck pain
• decreased sensitivity of the skin
• aches
• abdominal pain

If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Documentation