Rizatriptan Dosing

The usual dose of rizatriptan for the treatment of a migraine headache once it has started is 5 mg or 10 mg. Rizatriptan is not used to prevent migraines; it should be taken only during a migraine headache. A few of the factors that can affect rizatriptan dosing include your response to rizatriptan, other drugs you may be currently taking, and other medical conditions you may have. You should not take more than 30 mg of rizatriptan tablets in a 24-hour period.

 

An Overview of Rizatriptan Dosing

The dose of rizatriptan benzoate (Maxalt®) your healthcare provider prescribes will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your response to rizatriptan
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Rizatriptan Dosing for Migraine Headaches

Rizatriptan is meant to be taken only during a migraine. The usual dosage of rizatriptan for migraine headaches is rizatriptan 5 mg or 10 mg. In general, the higher dose is more effective, but has more side effects. For people taking propranolol (Inderal®, Inderal LA®, InnoPran XL®), the rizatriptan dose should not be more than 5 mg.
 

General Rizatriptan Dosage Information

Some considerations for people taking rizatriptan include:
 
  • Rizatriptan is not meant to be taken on a daily basis. Take rizatriptan only when you have a migraine.
     
  • Rizatriptan comes in regular tablets and as orally disintegrating tablets (MLTs) that quickly dissolve in the mouth. When opening the rizatriptan MLT tablets, peel back the foil lining of the blister. Do not try to push the tablet through the foil, as it is delicate and may crumble.
     
  • Rizatriptan should be taken as soon as possible once a migraine starts.
     
  • Swallow rizatriptan tablets whole with a drink of water or other fluids. Each rizatriptan MLT tablet should be placed on the tongue, where it will quickly be dissolved. Rizatriptan MLT tablets do not need to be taken with water.
     
  • If your healthcare provider instructs you to do so, you may take a second dose of rizatriptan if your migraine does not go away after the first dose. However, you must wait at least two hours after the first dose before taking a second dose of rizatriptan.
     
  • Do not take more than 30 mg of rizatriptan tablets in a 24-hour period (or 15 mg in 24 hours if you are also taking propranolol).
     
  • Your rizatriptan dosage can be taken with or without food.
     
  • For rizatriptan to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Rizatriptan will not work if you take it in a way other than how your healthcare provider prescribed it.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to rizatriptan or your rizatriptan dosing, please talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;