Medication Information:
Eletriptan (generic) ~ Relpax (brand) Classification: Anti-migrain; serotonin receptor agonist
Common Usage: Eletriptan is indicated for acute treatment of migraine
with or without aura in adults. It is not intended to be used as
prophylactic therapy for migraine or for management of hemiplegic or basilar
migraine. Important Side Effects:
Eletriptan can elevate blood pressure and it should not be given to patients
with uncontrolled hypertension. Additionally, eletriptan should not be
taken by patients with ischemic heart disease (such as angina pectoris, history
of myocardial infarction or documented silent ischemia), patients with
cerebrovascular syndromes such as stroke or patients with peripheral vascular
disease.
Most side effects with eletriptan are mild and transient, and the most common
include nausea, dizziness, somnolence (tiredness) and asthenia (weakness).
If you are planning to
become pregnant, are pregnant or are a nursing mother, the potential
benefits of this drug must be weighed against the possible hazards.
Discuss these issues in advance with all of your health care providers.
This is not a complete
list of all known or potential adverse effects. Notify your prescriber or
pharmacist of any symptoms that have started since you began taking this
medication, changing its dose, or adding or changing other medication or diet.
Take care when performing any task (such as driving or operating machinery) that
requires your attention until you have experience with this drug and are
confident that you can perform the task safely. Interactions with Other Medications: Eletriptan should not be taken
within 24 hours of taking ergot-containing drugs such as ergotamine (Cafergot,
Ergomar, and others). Eletriptan should also not be taken within 24 hours
of other "triptan" drugs such as almotriptan (Axert), frovatriptan (Frova),
naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex) and
zolmitriptan (Zomig).
Eletriptan should not be
taken within 72 hours of any of the following drugs, which can raise the amount
of eletriptan in the blood: Ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporonox),
nefazodone (Serzone), troleandomycin (TAO), clarithromycin (Biaxin), ritonavir (Norvir)
and nelfinavir (Viracept).
This is not a completel
list of all known or potential drug interactions. To help prevent
avoidable problems, always make sure your pharmacist and all prescribers know
all of the medications you are taking. This includes over-the-counter
drugs and any dietary or herbal supplements or medications. CommonDosages: Eletriptan can be taken in a single dose of 20 or 40 mg,
depending on the patient. If the headache improves and then returns, a
second dose can be taken at least two hours after the initial dose. The
maximum individual dose is 40 mg and the maximum daily dose is 80 mg. Identification: Eletriptan is available as Relpax in 20- and 40- mg
tablets that are orange, round, convex and film-coated. The 20-mg tablets
are identified with "REP20" on one side and "Pfizer" on the other. The
40-mg tablets are identified with "REP40" on one side and "Pfizer" on the other. Storage: Store this medication at normal room temperature (59° F to 86°
F) in a tightly closed, light- and moisture-resistant container. If you
have difficulty opening child-resistant containers, your pharmacist can provide
a container that is easier to open. Keep the medication out of direct
sunlight and avoid storing it in a warm or humid area - such as the bathroom or
kitchen - to prevent deterioration. To prevent accidental poisoning, keep
all medications out of the reach of children. Do not take an expired
medication. Do not transfer medication from one container to another.
Carefully discard discontinued medication where children cannot find it. Edited by
Lawrence H. Price M.D. ASERVICE OF…. Psychopharmacology Update
Note: These guidelines are for general information only.For more specific information, consult your physician orpharmacist. | 
