Eletriptan

What is this medicine? 

ELETRIPTAN (Relpax)  is used  to treat migraines with or without aura. An aura is  a strange feeling or visual disturbance that warns you of an attack. It is  not used  to prevent migraines. 

This medicine  may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you  have questions. 

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? 

They need to know if  you have any of these conditions: 

• bowel disease  or colitis 
• diabetes
• family history of heart disease 
• fast or irregular heart beat 
• heart or blood vessel disease, angina (chest pain), or previous heart attack 
• high blood pressure 
• high cholesterol 
• history of stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs  or mini-strokes),  or intracranial bleeding 
• kidney or liver  disease
• overweight 
• poor circulation 
• postmenopausal or surgical removal  of uterus  and ovaries 
• Raynaud's disease 
• seizure disorder 
• an unusual or allergic reaction  to eletriptan, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives 
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant 
• breast-feeding 

How should I use this medicine? 

Take this medicine  by mouth with  a glass  of water. Follow  the directions on the prescription label. This medicine  is taken at the first symptoms  of a migraine.  It is not for everyday use. If your migraine headache returns after  one dose, you can take another dose as directed. You must leave at least 2 hours between doses, and do not take more than 40 mg as  a single dose. Do not take more than 80 mg total in any 24 hour period. If  there is no improvement at all after the first dose, do not take  a second dose without talking  to your doctor or health care professional. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. 

Talk  to your pediatrician regarding  the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. 

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room  at once. 

NOTE: This medicine  is only for you. Do not share  this medicine with others. 

What if I miss  a dose? 

This does not apply; this medicine  is not for regular use. 

What may interact  with this medicine? 

Do not take this medicine with any  of the following medications: 

• amiodarone 
• amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, or cocaine 
• aprepitant 
• certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin 
• cimetidine 
• conivaptan 
• dalfopristin; quinupristin 
• dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergoloid mesylates, methysergide, or ergot-type medication - do not take within 24 hours  of taking eletriptan. 
• diltiazem
• feverfew 
• imatinib 
• medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole,  and voriconazole 
• medicines for HIV, AIDS 
• medicines for mental depression like fluvoxamine  and nefazodone 
• mifepristone 

Other migraine medicines like almotriptan, sumatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan - do  not take within 24 hours  of taking eletriptan. 

• tryptophan 
• verapamil 

This medicine may also interact with the following medications: 

• medicines for mental depression, anxiety or mood problems 

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine. 

Notes:

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EditText of this page (last edited April 11, 2010)