rizatriptan benzoate at a glance
Medicine class
Selective serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist, commonly called a triptan.
Licensed use
Acute treatment of the headache phase of migraine attacks in adults, with or without aura.
Available forms
Selected products include conventional tablets and mouth-dissolving formulations.
Driving and machinery
Migraine and rizatriptan can cause sleepiness or dizziness; do not drive or operate machinery unless you feel able to do so safely.
What is rizatriptan benzoate used for?
The selected products are licensed for:
Acute treatment of the headache phase of migraine attacks with aura in adults.
Acute treatment of the headache phase of migraine attacks without aura in adults.
Rizatriptan is not licensed as a preventive treatment for migraine.
How does rizatriptan benzoate work?
Rizatriptan activates serotonin 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors. This narrows pain-associated cranial blood vessels and reduces inflammatory signalling and pain transmission through trigeminal nerves involved in migraine.
rizatriptan benzoate preparations and strengths
Dispersible tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 10 mg
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg
How to take rizatriptan benzoate
Use only as prescribed for a diagnosed migraine attack; it is not intended for migraine prevention.
Swallow conventional tablets whole with liquid.
Food can delay absorption of conventional tablets, so the effect may begin later when taken with food.
Keep mouth-dissolving formulations in their packaging until needed. Open with dry hands, place on the tongue and allow them to dissolve and be swallowed with saliva; liquid is not required.
rizatriptan benzoate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Dizziness or sleepiness
- Tiredness or weakness
- Tingling or reduced sensation
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, indigestion or dry mouth
- Flushing
- Palpitations
- Throat discomfort
- A feeling of heaviness, neck pain or stiffness
- Abdominal or chest discomfort
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergy or anaphylaxis, including swelling of the face, tongue or throat
- Severe or persistent chest pain or tightness, which may indicate reduced blood flow to the heart
- Stroke-like symptoms or a seizure
- Serotonin syndrome, particularly with other serotonergic medicines
- Severe blistering or peeling skin reaction
- Severe abdominal pain or bloody diarrhoea, which may indicate ischaemic colitis
rizatriptan benzoate in pregnancy
A triptan may be used when recommended by a doctor. Rizatriptan-specific pregnancy information is less extensive than for sumatriptan, although available evidence has not identified a malformation signal; a prescriber should assess whether it is clinically necessary, particularly later in pregnancy.
rizatriptan benzoate while breastfeeding
Rizatriptan passes into breast milk in low amounts, and published measurements suggest infant exposure is small. Product information advises caution, so discuss its use with a prescriber or pharmacist, especially when feeding a newborn, premature or unwell infant.
rizatriptan benzoate interactions
Important interactions include:
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, including linezolid
They can substantially increase rizatriptan exposure and the risk of vasoconstriction or hypertension; concurrent use is contraindicated under the selected product information.
Other triptans
Combining rizatriptan with another 5-HT1B/1D agonist can cause additive vasoconstriction and is contraindicated.
Ergotamine and ergot derivatives
Combined use can increase coronary vasoconstriction and hypertensive effects and is contraindicated.
Common questions about rizatriptan benzoate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is rizatriptan benzoate used for?
It treats the headache phase of a migraine attack in adults, with or without aura.
Does rizatriptan benzoate prevent migraines?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.