Rizact Tablet (Rizatriptan)

What is a Rizatriptan tablet?

Rizatriptan is an anti-migraine medicine used to treat migraine headaches. It narrows blood vessels around the brain. Rizatriptan also lowers substances in the body that causes migraine symptoms such as headache, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and other symptoms of migraine. This medication will only treat a migraine attack; it will not stop or reduce migraine attacks from occurring.

Rizatriptan is sold under various trade names, some of which are Maxalt and Rizact (made by Cipla). Rizatriptan may also be given for conditions other than migraine headaches. Regarding the Fast-acting migraine treatment, it is known for its quick onset of action, typically within 30 minutes to 2 hours after ingestion. However, the exact speed of relief can vary from person to person. It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider and not exceed the recommended dose.

Rizatriptan alternatives

If you are looking for alternatives to rizatriptan, there are several other triptan medications available that can be effective in treating migraines. Some commonly prescribed triptans include:

Sumatriptan: This is one of the most widely used triptans and is available in various forms, such as tablets, nasal sprays, and injections.

Zolmitriptan: It is available as tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and nasal sprays.

Eletriptan:This triptan is available in tablet form and is known for its relatively long duration of action.

Naratriptan: It is available as a tablet and is sometimes prescribed for people with longer-lasting migraines.

Almotriptan: This triptan is available in tablet form and may be helpful for individuals who experience migraines with prolonged aura.

How the Rizatriptan tablet works

Rizatriptan belongs to the class of drugs called selective serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonists. It acts by reducing swelling of blood vessels around the brain and also controlling the release of certain chemicals in the body that can trigger headache pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and other migraine symptoms.

Rizatriptan Uses

Rizatriptan is used in adults to treat the acute headache phase of the migraine attack (pulsating headaches, often on one side of the head) with or without aura (visual disturbances usually in the form of geometric patterns or flashing, shimmering lights that one experiences just before a migraine attack).

How should I take the Rizatriptan tablet?

• Take Rizatriptan anti-migraine medication (Maxalt, Rizact) strictly according to your doctor’s direction or according to the instructions on the medication label. Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advises you to do so. Also, do not take this medication after the prescribed period is over. All medications come with a patient leaflet. Refer to the instructions in them for detailed information on that particular medication. Overuse of anti-migraine medication will make your migraines worse.
• Take Rizatriptan immediately or as soon as possible after your notice headache symptoms, or after a migraine attack has already started. You may be given this medication under medical supervision initially to check if it causes any severe side effects.
• If your headache doesn’t subside completely even after taking this medication or relapses after going away, take another dose after 2 hours. Do not exceed the limit of 30mg of Rizatriptan in 24 hours. If your condition doesn’t improve further, seek immediate medical attention. You must also tell your doctor if you have more than four migraine attacks within 30 days.

Important Information and Precautions about Rizatriptan

• Rizatriptan Migraine relief medication (Maxalt, Rizact) is not to be used for a common tension headache. It must be taken only after a doctor has confirmed that your headache is indeed a migraine headache. This medication will only treat a migraine attack; it will not stop or reduce migraine attacks from occurring. Rizatriptan is not recommended for someone below 18 years of age.
• Rizatriptan anti-migraine medication is not recommended for you if you are allergic to it if you have a history of heart disease (coronary heart disease or angina), a history of heart attack or stroke, blood circulation problems, lack of blood supply to the heart, uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe liver disease, ischemic bowel disease, or if your headache feels unusual (different from a usual migraine headache).
• Do not take Rizatriptan within a 24-hour interval before or after using another anti-migraine medication like sumatriptan, eletriptan, zolmitriptan, or others; or ergot medications like ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, or methylergonovine. Do not take Rizatriptan if you have used any of these MAO inhibitor medications in the last 14 days: isocarboxazid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, or furazolidone.
• Also inform your doctor if you are taking an antidepressant such as citalopram, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, or venlafaxine.
• Remember to allow a gap of at least 2 hours between two tablets of Rizatriptan tablet. A maximum dosage limit of 30mg for this medication per 24 hours has been set. Do not exceed this limit under any circumstances.
• Rizatriptan is an FDA pregnancy category C drug which means that its effect on an unborn baby is not known when taken during pregnancy. It is not known whether this medication can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant in the near future, or are nursing a child. You must take this medication only if he or she decides whether it is safe for you and your baby.

Before taking Rizatriptan

Remember to discuss all the points mentioned above with your doctor and take all the necessary precautions that are also mentioned above before taking Rizatriptan (Maxalt, Rizact).

Before using Rizatriptan, notify your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: liver or kidney disease, seizures, severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure, ischemic bowel disease, a heart rhythm condition, coronary artery disease (or risk factors such as diabetes, menopause, smoking, overweight or obesity, high triglyceride levels, having a family history of coronary artery disease, above 40 years of age, or a woman who has had a hysterectomy). Some of these conditions may not warrant the use of this medication. Your doctor will also weigh these conditions with the safe usage of this medication and decide if it is safe for you or not.

What if I forgot to take a dose of Rizatriptan tablet?

As Rizatriptan is taken on a need-to-need basis, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What to do in case of an Overdose?

In case of an overdose of Rizatriptan, get emergency medical attention or call the Doctor immediately. Overdose may lead to symptoms like tremors or shaking, redness on the skin, breathing problems, blue-colored lips or fingernails, watery eyes or mouth, weakness, lack of coordination, or seizures.

What should I avoid while taking Rizatriptan?

Do not take Rizatriptan within a 24-hour interval before or after using another anti-migraine medication like sumatriptan, rizatriptan, eletriptan, zolmitriptan, or others; or ergot medications like ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, or methylergonovine. Do not take Rizatriptan if you have used any of the following MAO inhibitor medications in the last 14 days: isocarboxazid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, or furazolidone.
Rizatriptan may make you dizzy thereby impacting your thinking capability and reflexes. Do not indulge in activities like driving, using heavy machinery, or any other activity that requires great attention and mental alertness unless you are absolutely sure that you can do it safely.

Side Effects of Rizatriptan

A serious side effect due to Rizatriptan (Maxalt, Rizact) usage is rare. However, few people may experience some serious side effects like blue-colored nails, coldness in the hand or feet, hearing changes, seizures, or mood changes. This medication may increase the level of serotonin in the body and rarely cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome or toxicity. The risk of this happening increases if you take other drugs that increase serotonin. Call your doctor right away if you get any serious side effects due to this medication.

Some of the common side effects of Rizatriptan are flushing, tingling sensation, numbness, prickling, warm feeling, chest/jaw/neck tightness, weakness, drowsiness, or giddiness. If any of these conditions persist or deteriorate, get immediate medical attention.
The side effects that are listed above are not a complete set of side effects due to Rizatriptan. You may experience some other side effects.

Rizatriptan Dosing Information

Rizatriptan dosage may depend on a range of factors like age, sex, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Your dosage will be determined by your doctor after examining you properly. Remember to follow your doctor’s advice properly for the best outcome.

Rizact Tablet (Rizatriptan) Interaction with Other Drugs

Some antidepressant drugs can interact with Rizatriptan. Inform your doctor if you are already taking an antidepressant such as citalopram, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, or venlafaxine. Also, let your doctor know about all other medications and related products that you may be using. Never start a new medication without thorough medical screening and advice.

Expert advice

• Do not use rizatiptan to prevent migraine headaches as it acts only once the headache symptoms have commenced.
• Start rizatiptan only after a clear diagnosis of migraine and exclusion of potentially serious neurological condition.
• Rizatriptan is not recommended in children below 18 years of age.
• Inform your doctor if you have any risk factors (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure, family history, etc) for heart disease, problems with heart rhythm/beats (bundle branch block), or kidney or liver problems.
• Do not drive or operate machinery as rizatriptan may cause dizziness or drowsiness.
• Your heart function should be regularly monitored while taking rizatriptan to check for side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions

Rizact Tablet (Rizatriptan)

Q. Is rizatriptan safe during pregnancy?

Rizatriptan should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Please follow your doctor's advice regarding its use during pregnancy.

Q. Is it safe to use rizatriptan during breastfeeding?

It is not known whether rizatriptan passes into human breast milk. Breastfeeding should be avoided for 24 hours after treatment with Rizatriptan. Please follow your doctor's advice regarding its use during

Q. Is rizatriptan safe/does rizatriptan get you high/ make you drowsy/ sleepy/ thin your blood/ cause rebound headaches?

Rizatriptan is safe if used as per the prescribing information. It does not make you high/cause rebound headaches or thin your blood. It can make you drowsy/sleepy.