Rizatriptan

Rizatriptan (Maxalt)

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:

Heart problems of any kind, especially a history of heart disease, angina, an irregular heart rhythm, or a history of a heart attack
High blood pressure (hypertension)
High cholesterol
Certain blood vessel conditions, such as peripheral vascular disease, ischemic bowel disease, or Raynaud's phenomenon
Diabetes
Kidney problems, including kidney failure (renal failure)
Liver problems, including liver failure or cirrhosis
Phenylketonuria
Depression
Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.

Also let your healthcare provider know if you:

Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Maxalt and Pregnancy)
Are breastfeeding
Smoke
Have a family history of heart disease
Have gone through menopause.

You should also tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

(Click Precautions and Warnings With Rizatriptan for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take the drug.)

How Does Rizatriptan Work?

Rizatriptan 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). Rizatriptan works by narrowing these blood vessels, helping them return to their normal state. This action helps to relieve migraine symptoms.

(Rizatriptan Continued: Page 3)
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