What is the dosage and how should it be used?
Rizatriptan is available in strengths of 5 and 10 mg as standard tablets and also in orally-disintegrating tablets (Maxalt-MLT®).
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you and follow the instructions on your prescription label. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Take rizatriptan as soon as you notice headache symptoms, or after an attack has already begun.
Your doctor may want to give your first dose of this medicine in a hospital or clinic setting to see if you have any serious side effects.
Take one rizatriptan tablet with a full glass of water.
To take rizatriptan orally disintegrating tablets (Maxalt-MLT®):
- Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take the medicine. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet through the foil as you may damage it.
- Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it in your mouth. It will begin to dissolve straight away.
- Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.
- Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.
After taking a tablet: If your headache does not completely go away, or goes away and comes back, take a second tablet two (2) hours after the first. Do not take more than 30 mg of rizatriptan in 24 hours. If your symptoms have not improved, contact your doctor before taking any more tablets.
Additionally, please contact your doctor if you have more than four headaches in one month (30 days).
Why is this medication prescribed?
What special precautions should I follow?
What should I do if I forget a dose?
What side effects can this medication cause?