Brand Name
Axert
Common Name
almotriptan
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02248129 | AXERT 12.5MG |
| 02248128 | AXERT 6.25MG |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Almotriptan belongs to the class of medications called 5-hydroxytryptamine
receptor agonists. Almotriptan is used for the acute treatment of migraine
headaches with or without aura (warning signs that occur before the headache
begins). It is not used for prevention of migraine headaches or for treatment
of any other type of headache including hemiplegic (one side of the head only),
ophthalmoplegic (affecting the eye area only), or basilar (at the bottom of
the head only) migraine. Almotriptan works by causing the blood vessels of the
head to constrict. Almotriptan eliminates or reduces the symptoms of migraine
including headache, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the
ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this
with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to
your doctor.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended adult dose of almotriptan is one 6.25 mg or 12.5 mg
tablet taken at the first sign of headache. If the headache returns, the
dose may be repeated after two hours, but no more than two doses of 12.5 mg
tablets should be taken within a 24-hour period (i.e., no more than 25 mg
in any 24-hour period). If you have no pain relief after taking the first dose,
do not take a second dose without first talking with your doctor. If you need
to treat more than four headaches in a 30-day period, talk with your doctor.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as
body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor
has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change
the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is very important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not use higher doses than those prescribed by your doctor.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
6.25 mg
Each white, circular, biconvex tablet, printed in red with the code "2080", contains almotriptan 6.25 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, iron oxide, mannitol, polyethylene glycol, povidone, propylene glycol, sodium starch glycolate, sodium stearyl fumarate and titanium oxide.
12.5 mg
Each white, circular, biconvex tablet, printed in blue with a stylized "A", contains almotriptan 12.5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, cellulose, FD&C Blue No. 2, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, mannitol, polyethylene glycol, povidone, propylene glycol, sodium starch glycolate, sodium stearyl fumarate and titanium oxide.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Almotriptan should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to almotriptan or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- has angina pectoris, a history of heart attack or silent ischemia, or has
symptoms or findings consistent with heart disease
- has cerebrovascular (e.g., stroke or transient ischemic attacks) or peripheral
vascular syndromes (e.g., ischemic bowel disease, Raynaud's syndrome), valvular
heart disease, or an abnormal rhythm of the heart
- has uncontrolled high blood pressure
- has taken another selective serotonin agonist (e.g., sumatriptan, naratriptan)
or an ergotamine-containing or ergot-type medication (e.g., dihydroergotamine,
methysergide) within the past 24 hours
- is experiencing a hemiplegic, ophthalmoplegic, or basilar type migraine
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