eletriptan hydrobromide at a glance
Medicine class
Selective serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonist, commonly called a triptan
Usual role
Acute treatment of the headache phase of migraine in adults
Migraine aura
Use during the headache phase; taking it during aura has not been shown to prevent headache
Administration
Swallow the film-coated tablet whole with water, with or without food
What is eletriptan hydrobromide used for?
Licensed use:
Acute treatment of the headache phase of migraine attacks, with or without aura, in adults.
How does eletriptan hydrobromide work?
Eletriptan activates serotonin 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors involved in migraine. It affects cranial blood vessels and pain-signalling nerves, helping reduce headache and associated symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light or sound.
eletriptan hydrobromide preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 20 mg, 40 mg
How to take eletriptan hydrobromide
Use only as prescribed, during the headache phase of a diagnosed migraine attack. It is not preventive treatment and should not be taken for aura alone.
Swallow the tablet whole with water.
It may be taken before or after food.
Do not drive or use machinery if the migraine or eletriptan makes you sleepy or dizzy.
eletriptan hydrobromide side effects
Common or expected effects
- Sleepiness, dizziness or vertigo
- Nausea, indigestion, abdominal discomfort or dry mouth
- Weakness, muscle pain, back pain or stiffness
- Tingling, altered sensation, flushing, sweating or feeling hot
- Throat tightness, chest pressure, palpitations or a faster heartbeat
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe or persistent chest or throat pain
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, wheezing or breathing difficulty
- Agitation, confusion, high temperature, sweating, muscle stiffness or poor coordination
- Sudden weakness, facial droop, speech difficulty or other possible stroke symptoms
- Severe abdominal pain or bloody diarrhoea
eletriptan hydrobromide in pregnancy
Eletriptan-specific pregnancy information is limited. There is no current evidence that triptans as a group cause harm, although sumatriptan has substantially more supporting data. Discuss use with the prescriber when treatment is considered necessary.
eletriptan hydrobromide while breastfeeding
Eletriptan passes into breast milk in small amounts. Discuss a practical feeding plan with a clinician, particularly for a premature or unwell infant.
eletriptan hydrobromide interactions
Check all prescribed, pharmacy and herbal products with a pharmacist or prescriber. Important interactions include:
Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, including ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin and some HIV protease inhibitors
These can substantially increase eletriptan exposure and should not be used with it.
Ergotamine and related ergot medicines
Combined blood-vessel effects can increase blood pressure and cardiovascular risk.
Other triptans
Do not combine them with eletriptan because effects and adverse reactions may be additive.
Common questions about eletriptan hydrobromide
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does eletriptan hydrobromide prevent migraine?
No. It treats an attack after it begins and is not licensed as preventive treatment.
Can it be taken during migraine aura?
It should be used during the headache phase. Taking it during aura has not been shown to prevent headache.
Can it be taken with food?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.