Classes
DEA Class; Rx
Common Brand Names; Axert
- Serotonin 5-HT-Receptor Agonists;
- Antimigraine Agents
Description
Oral serotonin agonist for migraine; similar to sumatriptan, but with a higher patient acceptability rating regarding ADRs; FDA approved in adults and pediatrics 12—17 years of age.
Indications
Indicated for the acute treatment of migraine attacks in patients with a history of migraine with or without aura .
Indicated for acute treatment of migraine attacks in patients with a history of migraine with or without aura
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity, severe hepatic or renal impairment, migraine prophylaxis
Ischemic heart disease, coronary artery vasospasm, including Prinzmetal’s variant angina, uncontrolled HTN, hemiplegic or basilar migraines, cluster HA, cerebrovascular syndromes, PVD
Do not use within 24 hr of another 5-HT1 agonist or ergot derivative, or within 2 weeks of MAOIs
Ergotamine-containing and ergot-type medications
Concomitant Use With 5-HT1 Agonists (eg, Triptans)
Adverse Effects
- Somnolence (1-5%)
- Dizziness (3-4%)
- Nausea (1-3%)
- Vomiting (2%)
- Dry mouth (1-2%)
- Headache (1-2%)
- Nausea (1-2%)
- Paresthesia (1-2%)
- Paresthesia (1%)
- Somnolence (>1%)
Warnings
Transient and permanent blindness and partial vision loss have been reported with 5-HT-1 agonists
Use caution when prescribing to patient with known hypersensitivity to sulfonamides due to sulfonyl group in chemical structure of drug; sulfonyl group is structurally different from a sulfonamide; cross-sensitivity to almotriptan not systematically evaluated
Administer with caution to patients with diseases that may alter absorption, metabolism, or excretion of drugs, such as those with impaired hepatic or renal function
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: excretion in milk unknown; use with caution
Maximum Dosage
25 mg/day PO.
25 mg/day PO.
25 mg/day PO.
>= 12 years: 25 mg/day PO.
< 12 years: Safety and efficacy have not been established.
How supplied
Almotriptan malate
tablet
- 6.25mg
- 12.5mg