Rizatriptan: Drug Information

Other names: Rizact

Drug Class: Antimigraine Drug

Uses of Rizatriptan:

Rizatriptan is used in the treatment of migraine attacks that are characterized by severe headache on one side of the head, nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light, sound and smell and fatigue. This selective serotonin agonist works in the cranial arteries accountable for vasoconstriction and reduction of inflammation associated with these attacks.

Dosage:

It is essential for you to take the medication as prescribed by your physician in order to avoid any side effects. You must also not stop taking the medication abruptly without the consent of your doctor as it may worsen some of the symptoms of the disorder you are being treated for. The drug can be ingested with or without food.

Warning and precautions:

Do not take Rizatriptan in case you observe that you are hypersensitive to it.

This medicine should not be taken in case you have been diagnosed with Ischaemic heart disease or Prinzmetal’s angina.

Rizatriptan is not meant for patients suffering from acute hypertension.

This medicine should not be given in case the patient is suffering from Basilar artery migraine or Hemiplegic migraine.

Safety of this drug has not been established during lactation. Therefore, nursing mothers should avoid taking Rizatriptan.

Do not take this medicine along with mono amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 2 weeks after discontinuation of MAOIs.

Caution and close drug monitoring is advised when giving this medicine to the elderly.

Patients suffering from kidney or liver disease, coronary artery disease or history of hypersensitivity to Sumatriptan should talk to their doctor before starting Rizatriptan therapy.

It is essential for you to notify your doctor if you are pregnant before taking this medicine.

Drug Interactions:

Ergotamines should not be taken along with Rizatriptan. When taken with propranolol, it results in increased concentration levels. Do not take Rizatriptan with mono amine oxidase (MAO) and non-selective mono amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Side effects :

Some of the most common side effects of the medication include increased blood pressure, chest pain, palpitation, skin flushing, dyspnoea, nausea, abdominal pain, dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness and fatigue.

Overdose:

In case of an overdose of the medication, you must report to your doctor at the earliest or contact your local poison control center.