Eletriptan

Eletriptan is a prescription medication that has been approved to relieve symptoms of migraine headaches. The medication works by causing the blood vessels in the head to return to their normal state after dilating during a migraine. A few of the more common side effects of eletriptan include drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea. Before taking eletriptan, be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you may have, such as heart problems, high blood pressure, or a history of strokes.

 

What Is Eletriptan?

Eletriptan hydrobromide (Relpax®) is a prescription medication that is used to treat migraine headaches. Eletriptan will not help to prevent migraines, but it can help to treat a migraine that has already started.
 
(Click What Is Eletriptan Used For? for more information on what eletriptan is used for, including possible off-label uses of the medication.)
 

Who Makes Eletriptan?

Eletriptan is made by Pfizer.
 

How Does Eletriptan Work?

Eletriptan is part of a class of migraine medications called 5-HT agonists (or more commonly known as "triptans"). During a migraine headache, some of the blood vessels in the head become dilated (wider than they usually are). Eletriptan works by narrowing these blood vessels, helping them return to their normal state. This action helps to relieve migraine symptoms.
 

Eletriptan Effects

In studies of the medication, up to 77 percent of people with migraines had no (or mild) pain within two hours of taking eletriptan, compared to only 19 to 39.5 percent of people who did not take eletriptan.
 
(Eletriptan Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;