Maxalt Tablet: Uses, Side Effects, Price, and more

About Maxalt Tablet

Maxalt tablet is an FDA- approved prescription medicine containing Rizatriptan benzoate which is used to treat migraine headaches and related symptoms. The orally disintegrating tablet is a serotonin receptor agonist and the mechanism of action involves the vasoconstriction or narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain, stopping the pain signals, and blocking the release of substances causing pain in the body.

Manufactured by: Merck and Co

Generic: Rizatriptan Benzoate

Drug Class:  5-HT Serotonin Receptor Agonist OR Anti-Migraine Agent

Strengths:  5 mg and 10 mg oral tablets

Maxalt Tablet Uses

Rizatriptan containing Maxalt tablet has the following indications/ uses;

• First-line therapy for the treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults and children (>6 years of age)
• Along with the treatment of acute migraines, Maxalt is also used to treat migraine-related symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light.

Consult a neurologist for the prescription use of migraine medicine.

What is the price of a Maxalt Tablet in Pakistan?

Maxalt tablet cost ranges between 2500-2700 PKR ($10 per tablet) in Pakistan. The price may vary depending on the manufacturers.

How to take Maxalt Tablet?

• The tablet is taken orally by mouth with water
• Avoid taking the medicine with food as it can delay the absorption of the drug by almost an hour
• Take the prescribed dose as soon as the first sign of migraine appears
• Do not crush, chew or break the tablet
• If the symptoms are partially resolved, take the second dose of the medicine after at least 2 hours in adults
• If a migraine does not settle down with the medicine, inform the doctor immediately and do not continue using the medicine on your own for longer than the prescribed time

Dosage of Maxalt Tablet

Take the dosage as prescribed by the doctor. However, the generally recommended dose of Maxalt is as follows;

• 5 mg or 10mg oral tablets: 2 doses separated by 2 hours. Do not exceed the daily dose of 30mg in 24 hours 
• A repeated dose is taken after at least 2 hours if the symptoms do not resolve
• Avoid taking more than a single dose at a time

The dose and the dosing schedule prescribed by the doctor depending on the severity and occurrence of migraine and related symptoms 

Side Effects of Maxalt

The reported side effects of Rizatriptan containing Maxalt tablet include;

• Hypersensitivity or allergy 
• Mood changes
• Dizziness
• Tingling
• Severe diarrhea with blood
• Numbness
• Increased blood pressure
• Chest tightness and pressure 
• Symptoms similar to a heart attack – chest pain, sweating, and irregular heart rate
• Weakness on one side of the body
• Sudden vision changes
• Difficulty in speaking

The serotonin agonist Maxalt rarely causes serotonin toxicity when used concurrently with other serotonin agonists. The symptoms of serotonin toxicity include dilated pupils, confusion, agitation, and muscle twitching.

Interactions of Maxalt with other drugs

Maxalt interacts with a number of drugs including;

• MAO inhibitors like selegiline, phenelzine, etc can worsen the adverse effects of Maxalt
• Serotonin drugs like certain antidepressants (fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, etc) can result in serotonin toxicity when used together with Maxalt
• Benzodiazepines

It is recommended to inform the doctor about all the prescription, OTC, and herbal medicines that you are taking to prevent any adverse effects caused by drug interactions.

Warnings and Precautions associated with Maxalt Tablet

The special warnings and precautions associated with the use of Maxalt tablets include;

• Inform the doctor about your complete medical history including the diseases associated with the heart, high triglyceride levels, high cholesterol, seizures, or any other medical conditions, if present.
• The medicine is only recommended in patients with a well-established migraine diagnosis
• Maxalt should not be used to treat atypical headaches
• Rizatriptan may make you drowsy so precautions are advised during driving, swimming, and other such activities to avoid the risk of accidents.
• The medicine is not recommended for children under 12 years of age
• Avoid taking the medicine for longer than the prescribed time as it may worsen headache symptoms. Do not take the medicine for longer than 10 days, without the doctor’s prescription.

Contraindications

Serotonin agonist Maxalt is contraindicated in;

• Patients with renal insufficiency
• Patients with hepatic insufficiency
• Heart patients like those suffering from TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)
• Infants and children lesser than 6 years of age

Is Maxalt safe during Pregnancy?

Maxalt is placed in the pregnancy category C and fetal defects are reported by the use of the drug in animal studies. The medicine is only advised in pregnancy upon the doctor’s prescription when the benefits of the medicine outclass the possible risks.

The medicine should also be avoided in lactating mothers as it can be secreted in the breast milk, thus affecting the infants.

What are the effects of Maxalt Overdose?

The clinical trials reported no possible effects of the drug overdose. The less common overdosage effects include somnolence and dizziness.

To avoid any risks, do not exceed the prescribed dose and the dosing schedule. Also, avoid taking the medicine without a prescription.  

Missed Maxalt Tablet dose

Take the Maxalt tablet as per the prescription of doctor. If you miss the dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if the time of the next dose is closed, skip the missed dose and take the upcoming dose as per the schedule. Do not exceed the 30mg dose of Maxalt per day.

Available Alternatives to Maxalt 

• Apo- Rizatriptan
• Accel-Rizatriptan ODT
• Mar-Rizatriptan

Storage of Maxalt Tablet

• Keep the medicine in a cool and dry place
• Protect the medicine from the direct sunlight
• Keep the medicine out of the reach of children

Consult a top neurologist for the effective treatment and management of migraine

FAQs

1. How long does it take for Maxalt to work?

Maxalt contains Rizatriptan which imparts its action within 30 minutes of administration. However, if the effect does not appear, taking another dose after 2 hours is recommended.

2. Does Maxalt cause drowsiness?

Rare side effect of Maxalt includes fatigue and somnolence. This effect is not prominent as migraine itself causes dizziness. As a general recommendation, it is advised to avoid driving while on Maxalt.

3. Is Maxalt addictive?

Maxalt does not cause addiction as it has no addictive ingredients. However, it is a prescription medicine and should not be used for any longer than the prescribed time. Long-term use of Maxalt may worsen the headaches and associated symptoms.