Rizatriptan Tablets Uses, Side Effects and Price in Pakistan

Rizatriptan is a medication used to treat migraine headaches. It works by constricting the blood vessels surrounding the brain and lessens the physical symptoms associated with migraines, such as discomfort from a headache, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and other migraine-related problems.

Here we will go over the uses, side effects, and cost of rizatriptan in Pakistan.

About Rizatriptan

The medication rizatriptan sold under brand name “Maxalt” is used to treat migraines in adults and children over six years.

Rizatriptan works in the brain to reduce migraine headache discomfort as reported by a study of PMC. 

It is to be noted that only pre-existing migraine headaches can be treated with rizatriptan. A typical tension-type headache, an acute headache, or any other type of headache that is not diagnosed as a migraine, should not be treated with it.

Only use rizatriptan if a medical professional has identified your problem as migraine headaches. You may ask questions about this medicine from the expert physicians of Marham by clicking here.

What is the Price of Rizatriptan in Pakistan?

Rizatriptan costs approximately 50–60 PKR per six tablets in 2022. The medicine is easily available at pharmacies and online as well. You can also use the Marham app to buy the Rizatriptan tablets online.

Uses of rizatriptan

Following are some of the most effective uses of Rizatriptan, according to experts;

• It is used for the management of migraines.
• It eases pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound associated with migraine.
• It helps to reduce the need for more painkillers and allows you to resume your daily activities.

However, please keep in mind that rizatriptan neither lowers the frequency nor does it prevent against future onset of migraine attacks.

Side effects of rizatriptan

The side effects of rizatriptan include;

Cardiovascular

• Chest pain
• Palpitations
• Flushing

Central Nervous System

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Euphoria
• Drowsiness
• Paraesthesia
• Feeling of heaviness
• Pain
• Headache
• Hypoesthesia

Gastrointestinal

• Nausea
• Sore throat
• Xerostomia
• Abdominal distress
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Neuromuscular and skeletal

• Weakness
• Neck pressure, pain, and tightness
• Jaw pressure, pain, and tightness 
• Tremors

Respiratory

• Pharyngeal edema
• Dyspnea
• Pressure on pharynx

Other Details

Some other important details related to rizatriptan are given below;

Storage

Storage conditions related to rizatriptan:

• After the specified expiration date, do not use the item.
• Keep the item out of children’s reach and sight.
• Store it in a cool, dry location. Do not refrigerate.
• Avoid warm, humid conditions.

Dosage

Usual adult dose for migraine

• Use only after a certain migraine diagnosis has been made.
• Initial dosage: 5 mg or 10 mg orally, once
• If migraine symptoms reappear after the initial dose, a second dose may be given at least two hours later, assuming the first dose was effective
• In a 24-hour period, the maximum dose is 30 milligrams

Usual pediatric dose for migraine:

• Use only if a migraine has been definitively diagnosed.

6 years old/under 40 kg

• Initial dosage: 5 milligrams used once orally

6 years and older/40 kg or more

• Initial dosage: 10 milligrams used once orally
• Maximum: One dosage every 24 hours

Interactions

Inform your doctor about all of the medications you are currently taking, for possible drug interactions, especially propranolol, antidepressants, and medications for mood disorders such as bipolar disorder.

Other medication, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, may have an interaction with rizatriptan as well.

Particularly, the following medicines should be avoided within 24 hours of taking rizatriptan:

• Almotriptan
• Eletriptan
• Frovatriptan
• Naratriptan
• Sumatriptan – injection
• Zolmitriptan

For more details, we would suggest you book a meeting with the top internal medicine specialists in Pakistan. 

Warnings

Following are the warnings related to Rizatriptan as reported by PMC;

• If you have heart issues, a history of a heart attack or stroke, uncontrolled high blood pressure, difficulties with your blood circulation that result in a shortage of blood supply in your body, or any other conditions, you should not use this medication without doctor’s consultation.
• Until you know how rizatriptan will affect you, refrain from activities like driving. As a study showed that your reflexes might become less active as a result of taking this medicine.
• Using another migraine headache medication within 24 hours of taking rizatriptan is not advised.
• Use of an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, phenelzine, or rasagiline within the previous 14 days is prohibited.

Substitutes of rizatriptan

Following is the list for the substitutes of Rizatriptan

• Sumatriptan
• Almotriptan
• Eletriptan
• Zolmitriptan

Marham’s online services of delivering medicines

Are you considering visiting a drugstore to pick up your prescriptions? Order Rizatriptan right now by using Marham’s online medication delivery services.

FAQs

1. Is rizatriptan a painkiller?

Rizatriptan is not a typical pain reliever. Anything other than migraine headaches will not be relieved by it. When acetaminophen, aspirin, or other painkillers are ineffective at relieving a migraine headache, they are typically prescribed this medicine.

2. How long does it take for rizatriptan to kick in?

Within 30 minutes of taking the dose, rizatriptan should begin to work. Wait at least two hours before taking another pill if your migraine gets better, then it gets worse again (10 mg). In a 24-hour period, do not take more than 3 tablets (30 mg). Before taking any more medications, speak with your doctor if your symptoms have not subsided.

3. What are the best tablets for migraine?

Many people with migraine report that over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol, aspirin, and ibuprofen can reduce their symptoms. They are typically most helpful when taken at the initial signs of a migraine attack, as it gives the medicine enough time to get into your system and lessen the intensity of the symptoms.