Medications and Drugs

Causes of Fatigue Slideshow Brain Foods Slideshow Sleep Disorders Slideshow

GENERIC NAME: ELETRIPTAN - ORAL (el-eh-TRIP-tan)

BRAND NAME(S): Relpax

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Eletriptan is a "triptan"-type medication used to treat migraine headache attacks. It does not prevent migraine headaches from occurring and should not be used for other types of headaches (e.g., cluster headaches).

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth at the first sign of a migraine headache as directed. If relief occurs after one dose, but the headache returns, the dose may be repeated after 2 hours if so directed by your doctor. If you have no relief with the first dose, do not take a second dose without consulting your doctor. Do not take more than two doses (or more than 80 mg) in a 24 hour period. Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you have never taken this medication before and you have risk factors for heart disease (see Precautions), you may be advised to take the very first dose in your doctor's office in order to monitor for rare but serious heart problems (e.g., heart attack).

SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, dizziness, or dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: tingling or numbness of the hands or feet, chest pain/pressure/tightness, throat pain/pressure/tightness, jaw or neck pain, trouble swallowing. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: unusually fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, one-sided weakness, vision problems, slurred speech. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.