Indications
Almotriptan is a prescription medicine used to treat the headache phase of a migraine attack, with or without aura, in adults. It relieves the headache and related symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. It does not prevent migraines and is not for other types of headache.
How It Works
Almotriptan belongs to the triptan group. It acts on serotonin (5-HT1B and 5-HT1D) receptors on blood vessels and nerves around the brain. This narrows the widened blood vessels and blocks the release of chemicals that cause pain and inflammation during a migraine.
Dosage and Administration
The usual adult dose is one 12.5 mg tablet taken with water as soon as possible after the migraine headache starts. If the migraine goes away and then comes back within 24 hours, a second 12.5 mg dose may be taken, at least 2 hours after the first. Do not take more than 25 mg in 24 hours. If the first dose does not help at all, do not take a second dose for the same attack. People with severe kidney problems may be prescribed a lower dose of 6.25 mg. It can be taken with or without food.
Interactions
- Do not take within 24 hours of Ergotamine or other ergot medicines, or other triptans such as Sumatriptan.
- SSRI or SNRI antidepressants (such as Fluoxetine, Sertraline or Venlafaxine) and St John’s Wort: risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Ketoconazole and other strong CYP3A4 inhibitors may raise Almotriptan levels.
- MAO inhibitors: use only with medical advice.
Contraindications
- Coronary heart disease, angina, past heart attack, or symptoms suggesting heart disease.
- Past stroke or transient ischaemic attack (mini-stroke), or poor circulation in the legs.
- Moderate to severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- Severe liver disease.
- Hemiplegic, basilar or ophthalmoplegic migraine.
- Allergy to Almotriptan.
Side Effects
Common side effects include dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting and tiredness. Some people feel tingling, warmth, heaviness or tightness in the chest, throat or other parts of the body, which is usually short-lived.
Get urgent medical help if you have chest pain or pressure that is severe or does not go away, signs of a stroke such as sudden weakness or trouble speaking, severe stomach pain, swelling of the face or throat, or agitation, fever, fast heartbeat and muscle twitching (possible serotonin syndrome).
Pregnancy and Lactation
There is limited information on use in pregnancy; use only if your doctor decides it is needed. Avoid breastfeeding for 24 hours after a dose.
Precautions and Warnings
- Your doctor should check heart risk factors (for example smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, family history) before you start.
- Using pain medicines for headache on more than about 10 days a month can cause medication overuse headache.
- It may cause drowsiness or dizziness; take care when driving.
- Not recommended for people under 18 or over 65 years without specialist advice.
Overdose
Overdose may cause high blood pressure, chest discomfort and other heart symptoms. Seek medical help immediately.
Therapeutic Class
Antimigraine agent, selective serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist (triptan)
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.