What is the starting dose of Maxalt (Rizatriptan)?

From the Guidelines

The starting dose of Maxalt (rizatriptan) for acute migraine treatment is typically 10 mg taken as a single dose, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. For most adults, this dose is considered standard and effective for treating migraine headaches. However, it's essential to consider individual patient factors, such as renal or hepatic impairment, or concomitant use of certain medications like propranolol, which may necessitate a lower starting dose of 5 mg. The medication should be taken at the first sign of migraine headache and can be repeated after 2 hours if needed, but no more than 30 mg should be taken within a 24-hour period, as indicated in the study 1. Some key points to consider when prescribing Maxalt include:

• The importance of starting treatment as soon as possible after the onset of migraine headache
• The potential benefits of combining Maxalt with other medications, such as NSAIDs or acetaminophen, for improved efficacy
• The need to counsel patients on the proper use of Maxalt, including the maximum daily dose and potential side effects
• The availability of Maxalt in different formulations, including regular tablets and orally disintegrating tablets (Maxalt-MLT) It's also crucial to be aware of the latest guidelines and recommendations for the treatment of acute episodic migraine headache, as outlined in the study 1, which emphasizes the importance of individualized decision making and consideration of patient preferences when selecting a treatment.

From the FDA Drug Label

The recommended starting dose of rizatriptan benzoate tablets is either 5 mg or 10 mg for the acute treatment of migraines in adults. The starting dose of Maxalt (rizatriptan) is either 5 mg or 10 mg for the acute treatment of migraines in adults 2.

• The 10 mg dose may provide a greater effect than the 5 mg dose, but may have a greater risk of adverse reactions.
• The choice of starting dose should be based on the individual patient's needs.

From the Research

Maxalt Starting Dose

• The starting dose of Maxalt (rizatriptan) is not explicitly mentioned in the provided studies.
• However, the studies discuss the efficacy and safety of various triptans, including rizatriptan, in the treatment of migraine attacks 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
• According to the studies, the dosage of triptans can vary, with some studies mentioning specific doses such as 40 or 80 mg of eletriptan 4, 100 mg of sumatriptan 5, and 10 mg of rizatriptan 5.
• It is essential to consult the prescribing information or a healthcare professional to determine the recommended starting dose of Maxalt for a specific patient.

Triptans in Migraine Treatment

• Triptans, including Maxalt, are a class of drugs that are effective in the acute treatment of migraine attacks 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
• They work by agonizing the serotonin 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptor subtypes, which helps to relieve migraine symptoms 5.
• The studies compare the efficacy and safety of different triptans, including Maxalt, and discuss their potential uses in clinical practice 4, 5, 6, 7.

Clinical Use of Triptans

• The clinical use of triptans, including Maxalt, is discussed in the studies, with a focus on their efficacy, safety, and tolerability 4, 5, 6, 7.
• The studies highlight the importance of considering the individual patient's needs and characteristics when selecting a triptan for treatment 6, 7.
• They also discuss the potential for drug interactions and the need for careful evaluation of concomitant medications when using triptans 7.