Drugs & Vitamins

Maxalt Active Ingredients: Rizatriptan Representative Names: Maxalt Available Product Images: What are rizatriptan tablets? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with rizatriptan? What side effects may I notice from taking rizatriptan? What should I watch for while taking rizatriptan? Where can I keep my medicine? What are rizatriptan tablets? (Back to top) RIZATRIPTAN (Maxalt®) helps to relieve a migraine attack that starts with or without aura (a peculiar feeling or visual disturbance that warns you of an attack). Generic rizatriptan tablets are not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •bowel disease or colitis •diabetes •family history of heart disease •fast or irregular heartbeat •headaches that are different from your usual migraine •heart or blood vessel disease, angina (chest pain), or previous heart attack •high blood pressure •high cholesterol •history of stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs or "mini-strokes"), or intracranial bleeding •kidney disease •liver disease •overweight •poor circulation •postmenopausal or surgical removal of uterus and ovaries •Raynaud's syndrome •seizure disorder •tobacco smoker •an unusual or allergic reaction to rizatriptan other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •unable to take aspartame-containing products •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Rizatriptan is taken by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Rizatriptan is taken at the first symptoms of a migraine attack; it is not for everyday use. Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. If your migraine headache returns after one dose, you can take another dose anytime after 2 hours of taking the first dose. Do not take more than 30 mg of rizatriptan in 24 hours. If there is no improvement at all after the first dose, do not take a second dose without talking to your prescriber or health care professional. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This does not apply, rizatriptan is not for regular use. What drug(s) may interact with rizatriptan? (Back to top) Do not take rizatriptan with any of the following medicines: •amphetamine or cocaine •dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, eroloid mesylates, methysergide, or ergot-type medication - do not take within 24 hours of taking rizatriptan. •almotriptan, eletriptan, naratriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan - do not take within 24 hours of taking rizatriptan. •medicines for weight loss such as dexfenfluramine, dextroamphetamine, fenfluramine, or sibutramine •monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®), and selegiline (Carbex®, Eldepryl®) - do not take rizatriptan within 2 weeks of stopping MAOI therapy. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any of these medications: •cough syrup or other products containing dextromethorphan •feverfew •lithium •medicines for mental depression, anxiety or mood problems such as buspirone, citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, mirtazapine, nefazodone, paroxetine, sertraline, trazodone, tricyclic antidepressants, or venlafaxine •meperidine •propranolol •St. John's wort •tryptophan Tell your prescriber or other health care professional about all other medicines you are taking including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also, tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before stopping or starting any of your medications. What side effects may I notice from taking rizatriptan? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber as soon as possible: Rare or uncommon: •chest, neck, or throat pain or tightness •dizziness or faintness •fast or irregular heart beat, palpitations •feeling of chest heaviness or pressure •severe stomach pain and cramping, bloody diarrhea •shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty breathing •tingling, pain, or numbness in the face, hands or feet •unusual reaction or swelling of the skin, eyelids, face, or lips Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •change in taste •diarrhea •drowsiness •dry mouth •hot flashes, feeling warm, flushing, or redness of the face •nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset •shakiness or tremor •tiredness or weakness What should I watch for while taking rizatriptan? (Back to top) Only take rizatriptan tablets for a migraine headache. Take it if you get warning symptoms or at the start of a migraine attack. Rizatriptan is not for regular use to prevent migraine attacks. Do not take migraine products that contain ergotamine or while you are taking rizatriptan; this combination can affect your heart. You may get drowsy, dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how rizatriptan affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly. Alcohol can increase drowsiness, dizziness and flushing. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Smoking cigarettes may increase the risk of heart-related side effects from using rizatriptan. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 59[0] and 86 degrees F (15[0] and 30[0]C). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:10/22/2003 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.