Maxalt 10mg Tablets (Rizatriptan)

Description

Maxalt 10mg contains rizatriptan, a triptan used for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura. It targets 5‑HT1B/1D receptors to relieve headache and associated symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light/sound. Assess effect at 2 hours, as is typical for triptans. Always use as prescribed.

What is Maxalt (rizatriptan)?

Maxalt is a prescription‑only medicine (POM) that treats an ongoing migraine attack. It is not a preventive therapy and does not treat cluster headache.

Who can use Maxalt 10mg

Adults with a confirmed migraine diagnosis may use Maxalt 10mg when recommended by a clinician. Some adolescents may be treated on specialist advice. Always follow the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL).

How to take Maxalt 10mg

• Take one 10mg tablet at the first signs of a migraine attack.
• If symptoms return, you may take a second 10mg dose at least 2 hours after the first.
• Maximum dose: 20mg (two 10mg tablets) in 24 hours. Do not exceed this.

Dose & redose rules

• Take with water; food may delay onset.
  • If the first dose does not help, do not take another for the same attack unless advised by your prescriber.
  • If the headache returns after initial relief, a second dose may be used (≥2 hours apart).

With other medicines (e.g., propranolol)

Tell your clinician about all medicines you take. Dose adjustments or avoidance may be required with:
• Propranolol (your prescriber may recommend 5mg or adjust timing).
• MAO inhibitors (contraindicated) and recent MAOI use.
• Other serotonergic drugs (SSRIs/SNRIs); seek advice regarding serotonin syndrome risk.
• Other triptans or ergot derivatives (avoid within recommended washout periods).

Possible side effects

Common: dizziness, tiredness, flushing, dry mouth, nausea. Seek urgent medical help if you experience chest pain, severe abdominal pain, shortness of breath, or signs of an allergic reaction. See the PIL for the full list of side effects.

Warnings & precautions

Do not use Maxalt if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, certain heart or circulatory diseases, a history of stroke/TIA, or specific migraine types (e.g., hemiplegic/basilar) unless your clinician says it is suitable. This medicine is prescription‑only and should be used under medical supervision.

FAQs

Q: How fast does it work?
A: Triptans are typically evaluated for pain relief at 2 hours, though some people improve earlier.

Q: Can I combine it with painkillers?
A: Your clinician may advise a triptan alongside an anti‑sickness medicine and/or analgesic. Follow medical advice.

Q: Is this the same as Maxalt Melt?
A: Maxalt Melt is an orodispersible form. This page covers 10mg tablets. Both contain rizatriptan.

How to order (Prescription‑only)

Complete a short online consultation. If suitable, a UK prescriber will issue a prescription and the pharmacy will dispense and deliver discreetly.

Product details & ingredients

• Strength: 10mg rizatriptan (as rizatriptan benzoate) per tablet
• Class: Triptan (5‑HT1B/1D agonist)
• Pack sizes: As available via prescriber/pharmacy
• Always read the Patient Information Leaflet and follow prescriber advice

Medical disclaimer: Information for UK audiences. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always read the Patient Information Leaflet and consult a clinician.