Eletriptan
Generic Name:
Eletriptan
Brand Names:
Eletriptan Description:
Eletriptan belongs to a class of medications called serotonin receptor antagonists and is used to treat severe migraine headaches. This medication is not a typical pain reliever and should not be used to treat other types of pain. Eletriptan helps relieve migraine headaches in patients whose headaches are not aided by aspirin, acetaminophen or other pain relievers.
Eletriptan Side Effects:
Common side effects of eletriptan include:
- Weakness
- Stomach pain
- Heartburn
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Cramps
For more information, see our eletriptan side effects page.
Eletriptan Uses:
Eletriptan is used to treat the symptoms of migraine headaches such as severe throbbing, nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. This medication reduces the swelling of blood vessels in the brain, stops pain signals sent to the brain and blocks the release of natural substances that cause migraine symptoms.
Eletriptan is not used to prevent headaches or reduce the number of headaches patients may experience.
Eletriptan Interactions:
Eletriptan may interact with the following medications:
- Tagamet
- Cyclosporine
- Danocrine
- Rescriptor
- Diltiazem
- Trythromycin
- Crixivan
- Isoniazid
- Flagyl
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Selective serotonin/norepinephrine inhibitors (SNRIs)
To avoid adverse reactions, talk to you doctor about the nonprescription and prescription medications, vitamins and dietary supplements you are taking before undergoing treatment with eletriptan.
Eletriptan Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Eletriptan is available in 20 mg and 40 mg tablets. This medication should be taken at the first sign of a migraine attack. If symptoms improve but return after two hours or more, patients should take another tablet.
If symptoms to not improve after taking the first tablet of eletriptan, talk to your doctor before taking a second tablet of this medication. Patients should not take more than two eletriptan tablets in a 24-hour period.
Patients who need to take eletriptan more than three times a month should consult their doctor.
Missing a Dose of Eletriptan
Patients should take eletriptan at the onset of migraine headaches and should not take more than two tablets in a 24-hour period.
Eletriptan Overdose
Symptoms of an eletriptan overdose include:
- Tightness
- Pain
- Pressure
- Heaviness in chest, throat, neck or jaw
- Dizziness
- Numbness of an arm or leg
- Irregular heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing
- Headache
If you think you have taken too much eletriptan, contact your doctor or a healthcare professional immediately.
Eletriptan FDA Approval:
December 26, 2002
Eletriptan Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Eletriptan does not carry any black box warnings.
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