rizatriptán

Rizatriptán is a prescription medication in the triptan class used for the acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults and in children aged 6 to 17 years. It acts as an agonist at the serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptors, leading to constriction of cranial blood vessels and inhibition of inflammatory neuropeptide release, which helps relieve migraine symptoms.

Common formulations include oral tablets (typically 5 mg or 10 mg) and disintegrating tablets/wafer forms. The medicine is taken as soon as migraine symptoms begin. A single dose is usually sufficient; if the migraine recurs, a second dose may be taken after at least 2 hours, not exceeding 30 mg per day. Rizatriptán is not used for migraine prevention.

Contraindications include ischemic heart disease, a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, and severe or uncontrolled hypertension; use with other vasoconstrictive drugs (ergot derivatives) or other triptans is contraindicated due to risk of serious cardiovascular events. Caution is advised in patients with risk factors for heart disease, and it should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed after weighing benefits and risks.

Pharmacokinetics: rizatriptán is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak concentrations within about 1–2 hours. It is extensively metabolized in the liver, mainly by MAO-A and aldehyde oxidase, and is eliminated mainly in the urine.

Adverse effects are usually mild and include dizziness, fatigue, somnolence, nausea, and tingling or warmth sensations. Rare but serious events include chest tightness or coronary vasospasm.