Maxalt / Rizalt (rizatriptan) is used for the acute treatment of migraine attacks in adults, with or without aura. Rizatriptan belongs to a class of drugs known as triptans, which are 5HT1-receptor agonists. Triptans act on serotonin (5HT 1B/1D) levels in the brain, leading to the narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain that have swollen and triggered a migraine attack. They are pain-relieving medications that reduce the severity of an ongoing attack, but they do not prevent migraine attacks.

Although the cause of migraine attacks is not fully understood, it is thought that the widening of blood vessels in the brain causes the throbbing pain of migraine headaches. Rizatriptan mimics the action of serotonin, and this narrows the blood vessels, and so relieves the pain of migraine headaches. Rizalt does not prevent migraine attacks and should not be used for the treatment of familial hemiplegic migraine or migraines with brainstem aura (basilar migraines.)

Dosage

The prescribing doctor will determine the dosage regimen. The recommended dose should only be taken once the effects of the migraine attack are starting to be felt. The maximum dosage is 30 mg of rizatriptan in any 24-hour period. Rizatriptan is not intended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

Follow the instructions in the Product leaflet for administering the Rizalt tablets and wafers. If a higher dosage has been taken accidentally, or if a child has accidentally swallowed the medicine, go immediately to a doctor or a hospital emergency room along with the drug package.