Maxalt Melt 10mg - 3 tablets

Maxalt Melt 10mg Oral Lyophilisates contain rizatriptan, which belongs to a class of medicines called selective serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonists. The official leaflet states that Maxalt Melt is used to treat the headache phase of the migraine attack in adults. It works by reducing swelling of blood vessels surrounding the brain, which is associated with migraine headache pain.

Maxalt Melt is intended for use once a migraine attack has started. The leaflet specifically says it should not be used to prevent an attack. This presentation is designed as an oral lyophilisate, which dissolves in the mouth and can be swallowed with saliva, making it useful when water is not available or when nausea and vomiting make tablets less convenient.

The leaflet describes the 10mg oral lyophilisates as white to off-white, round, with a modified square on one side, and with a peppermint flavour. It also states that pack sizes include 2, 3, 6, 12 or 18 oral lyophilisates, so a 3-tablet pack is part of the listed UK pack range.

Always take Maxalt Melt exactly as your doctor, prescriber or pharmacist has told you. The leaflet states that Maxalt Melt should be taken as soon as possible after your migraine headache has started. It should not be used to prevent migraine. The usual dose is 10mg.

If you are currently taking propranolol, or if you have kidney or liver problems, the leaflet says you should use the 5mg dose instead. You should leave at least 2 hours between taking propranolol and Maxalt Melt, up to a maximum of 2 doses in a 24-hour period.

If migraine symptoms return within 24 hours, you may take an additional dose, but you should always wait at least 2 hours between doses. If you do not respond to the first dose during an attack, the leaflet says you should not take a second dose for treatment of that same attack. Do not take more than 2 doses in a 24-hour period.

To use Maxalt Melt, open the blister pack with dry hands, place the oral lyophilisate on the tongue, and allow it to dissolve before swallowing with saliva. The leaflet notes that liquids are not required. 

Active ingredient:

Each oral lyophilisate contains 10mg rizatriptan as 14.53mg rizatriptan benzoate.

Other ingredients:

Gelatin, mannitol (E421), glycine, aspartame (E951) and peppermint flavour, which is composed of peppermint oil, maltodextrin and dextrin.

Allergy / intolerance advice:

The leaflet states that each 10mg oral lyophilisate contains 3.75mg aspartame, equivalent to 2.1mg phenylalanine. This may be harmful for people with phenylketonuria (PKU).

Do not take Maxalt Melt if you are allergic to rizatriptan benzoate or any of the ingredients, if you have moderately severe or severe high blood pressure, uncontrolled mild high blood pressure, have or have had heart problems including heart attack or angina, have severe liver or severe kidney problems, have had a stroke or TIA, have peripheral vascular disease, or if you are taking MAO inhibitors, ergotamine-type medicines, or another medicine in the same class such as sumatriptan, naratriptan or zolmitriptan.

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking Maxalt Melt if you have risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, use of nicotine replacement, a family history of heart disease, if you are a man over 40 or a postmenopausal woman, or if you have kidney or liver problems, bundle branch block, allergies, or previous short-lived symptoms including chest pain and tightness.

The leaflet also warns about interactions with propranolol, SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, and ergotamine-type medicines. It says you should wait at least 6 hours after Maxalt Melt before taking ergotamine-type medicines, and at least 24 hours after ergotamine-type medicines before taking Maxalt Melt.

In adult studies, the most common side effects reported were dizziness, sleepiness and tiredness. Other side effects listed in the leaflet include nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, diarrhoea, indigestion, flushing, palpitations, throat discomfort, tingling, decreased mental sharpness, heaviness, stiffness, and pain in the abdomen or chest.

The leaflet says you may feel sleepy or dizzy while taking Maxalt Melt, so do not drive or use tools or machines if affected. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice before use. If breast-feeding, the leaflet says you may postpone breast-feeding for 12 hours after treatment to avoid exposure in your baby.

Find Leaflet Here