Brand name : Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan)
Pronounced: MAX-alt
Generic name: Rizatriptan benzoate
Other brand name: Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan)-MLT
Why is Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan) prescribed?
Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan) is prescribed for the treatment of a migraine attack with or
without the presence of an aura (visual disturbances, usually sensations
of halos or flickering lights, which precede an attack). It cuts headaches
short, but won't prevent attacks.
Most important fact about Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan)
Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan) should be used only for typical migraine headaches. It is not
recommended for any other type of headache, or for unusual types of
migraine such as hemiplegic or basilar migraine.
How should you take Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan) prescriptions without?
Take Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan) as soon as your first symptoms appear. The drug is available
in standard and orally disintegrating tablets (Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan)-MLT). The standard
tablets should be swallowed whole with liquid. No liquid is needed
for Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan)-MLT.
When using Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan)-MLT, leave each individual blister pack in its foil
pouch until needed. When ready, remove the pack from the pouch, peel
it open with dry hands, and place the tablet on your tongue. The tablet
will dissolve rapidly and can be swallowed with your saliva alone.
If your headache comes back, you may take a second dose as soon as
2 hours have elapsed. If the first dose provides no relief at all,
check with your doctor before taking another.
Do not take more than 30 milligrams of Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan) in a 24-hour period.
Check with your doctor if you need to take the drug more than 4 times
a month.
If you miss a dose...
Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan) is not for regular use. Take it only during a migraine attack.
Storage instructions...
Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan) and Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan)-MLT may be stored at room temperature. Keep the
Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan) bottle tightly closed. Leave each Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan)-MLT tablet in its pouch.
Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan).
* Side effects may include:
Chest pain, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, nausea, pain, tingling
skin, weakness
Why should Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan) not be prescribed?
If Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan) gives you an allergic reaction, you won't be able to use
it. You should also avoid Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan) if you have certain types of heart
or blood vessel disease, including angina (crushing chest pain) or
a history of heart attack. Do not use it if you have uncontrolled high
blood pressure.
Never take Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan) within 24 hours of using an ergotamine-type migraine
medication such as Cafergot, D.H.E. 45 Injection, Migranal Nasal Spray,
or Sansert, or a drug in the same family as Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan), such as Amerge,
Imitrex, or Zomig. You should also refrain from using Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan) within
2 weeks of taking an MAO inhibitor such as the antidepressants Marplan,
Nardil, and Parnate.
Special warnings about Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan)
Because some people with risk factors for heart and blood vessel disease
have suffered an irregular heartbeat, a heart attack, or stroke after
taking Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan), your doctor may ask you to take the first dose in the
office, where you can be monitored for cardiac side effects. High blood
pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, a history of heart disease
in your family, and menopause all increase the odds of such side effects.
Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan) can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Do not participate in any
activities that require full alertness until you are certain of the
drug's effect. Use Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan) with caution if you have liver disease or
need kidney dialysis. Also alert your doctor if you have an eye condition.
There is a theoretical possibility that Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan) could affect the eyes.
If your first dose of Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan) has no effect on your symptoms, you may
not be suffering from migraine. Ask your doctor for a re-evaluation.
If you have a condition called phenylketonuria, you should be aware
that the Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan)-MLT tablets contain phenylalanine.
Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan) is not recommended for people under 18.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan)
The following drugs may boost or add to the effect of Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan) and should
never be combined with it:
Drugs classified as MAO inhibitors, including the antidepressants
Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
Ergot-containing drugs such as Cafergot, D.H.E. Injection, and Migranal
Nasal Spray
Other drugs in the Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan) family, including Amerge, Imitrex, and Zomig
Certain other drugs may also interact with Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan). Check with your
doctor before combining it with the following:
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Propranolol (Inderal)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan) during pregnancy have not been adequately studied.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor
immediately. It is not known whether Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan) appears in breast milk,
but because many drugs do, you should use Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan) with caution while
nursing an infant.
Recommended dosage for Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan)
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
* Symptoms of Rizact (Maxalt, Rizatriptan) overdose may include:
Dizziness, fainting, heart and blood vessel problems, high blood pressure,
loss of bowel and bladder control, slow heartbeat, vomiting
