Rizatriptan(rih zah trip’ tan)
Maxalt, Maxalt-MLT
PREGNANCY CATEGORY C
Drug Classes
Antimigraine drug
Serotonin selective agonist
Therapeutic Actions
Binds to serotonin receptors to cause vascular constrictive effects on cranial blood vessels, causing the relief of migraine in select patients whose migraines are caused by vasodilation.
Indications
Treatment of acute migraine attacks with or without aura
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with allergy to rizatriptan, active CAD, Prinzmetal angina, uncontrolled hypertension; recent (within 24 hr) treatment with another 5-HT agonist or an ergotamine-containing or ergot type medication; hemiplegic or basilar migraine.
Use cautiously with hepatic impairment, dialysis, pregnancy, lactation.
Available Forms
Tablets—5, 10 mg; orally disintegrating tablets—5, 10 mg
Dosages
Adults
5 or 10 mg PO at onset of headache; may repeat in 2 hr if needed. Wait 2 hr between doses. Maximum dose, 30 mg/day.
Pediatric patients 6–17 yr
40 kg or more: 10 mg PO per attack.
30 kg or less: 5 mg PO per attack.
Patients with hepatic or renal impairment
Use lowest possible dose, monitor patient closely.
