RELPAX (Eletriptan) 40 MG Tablet Instructions
Take one 40 mg tablet by mouth at the first sign of migraine headache, and if the headache persists or returns after initial improvement, you may take a second 40 mg tablet at least 2 hours after the first dose, but do not exceed 80 mg total in 24 hours. 1
Dosing Instructions
- Initial dose: Take 40 mg orally as soon as migraine symptoms begin 1
- Timing is critical: Take the medication early in the headache phase for maximum effectiveness 2
- Second dose: If headache has not resolved by 2 hours or returns after transient improvement, you may take another 40 mg tablet 1
- Minimum interval: Wait at least 2 hours between doses 1
- Maximum daily dose: Do not exceed 80 mg (two 40 mg tablets) in any 24-hour period 1
Frequency Limitations
- Do not treat more than 3 migraine attacks in a 30-day period with eletriptan, as safety beyond this frequency has not been established 1
- Frequent use (more than twice weekly) of any acute migraine medication risks medication-overuse headache, which can lead to daily headaches 2
When to Take
- Swallow the tablet whole with water 1
- Can be taken with or without food 1
- Most effective when taken early during the attack while pain is still mild to moderate 2
What to Expect
- Relief may begin as early as 30 minutes after taking the dose 3, 4
- Peak effectiveness occurs at 2 hours, with 65% of patients experiencing headache response (improvement from moderate/severe to mild/none pain) 5
- 29% of patients are completely pain-free at 2 hours with the 40 mg dose 5
Important Safety Warnings
Do not take eletriptan if you have:
- Heart disease, history of heart attack, or chest pain (angina) 1
- History of stroke or "mini-stroke" (TIA) 1
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure 1
- Taken another triptan medication, ergotamine, or DHE within the past 24 hours 1
- Taken certain antifungal medications (ketoconazole, itraconazole) or certain HIV medications within the past 72 hours 1
When to Seek Medical Attention
- If you have no response to the first migraine attack treated with eletriptan, contact your doctor to reconsider the diagnosis before using it again 1
- Seek emergency care if you experience chest pain, tightness, pressure, or heaviness after taking eletriptan 1
- Stop using and call your doctor if headaches become more frequent despite treatment 2
Common Side Effects
- Mild chest pressure or heaviness (usually not cardiac-related) 3, 4
- Dizziness, drowsiness, or fatigue 3, 4
- Nausea 3, 4
- Most adverse effects are mild to moderate and transient 6
Critical Pitfall to Avoid
Do not increase frequency of use if eletriptan stops working effectively—this creates a vicious cycle of medication-overuse headache. Instead, contact your doctor to discuss preventive therapy options. 7