Maxalt ODT Should Not Be Crushed
Maxalt (rizatriptan) orally disintegrating tablets (ODT) are specifically designed to disintegrate on the tongue without liquid and should not be crushed. The formulation is engineered as a freeze-dried dosage form that rapidly dissolves in the mouth and is swallowed with saliva 1, 2.
Why Crushing Is Not Recommended
The ODT formulation is designed to work as-is: Rizatriptan wafer/ODT is a novel freeze-dried tablet that disintegrates rapidly on the tongue within seconds, eliminating the need for water 1.
Crushing defeats the purpose: The entire advantage of the ODT formulation is convenience—it can be taken without liquids, making it ideal for patients experiencing nausea or those without immediate access to water 2, 3.
Pharmacokinetic profile may be altered: The ODT formulation has a specific time to maximum concentration (Tmax) of approximately 1.3 hours, which is optimized for the intact formulation 2.
Proper Administration
Place the tablet on the tongue: Allow it to disintegrate completely without chewing or crushing 1.
Swallow with saliva: No water is required, though patients may drink water if desired 1, 2.
Do not remove from blister pack until ready to use: The ODT formulation should be handled carefully to maintain its integrity 2.
Clinical Context
The ODT formulation was specifically developed to address patient needs during migraine attacks when nausea and vomiting are common, and accessing liquids may be difficult 1. Patient preference studies show that 57% of migraineurs preferred rizatriptan ODT over standard tablets, largely due to the convenience of the formulation 3.
If a patient cannot use the ODT as intended, consider switching to the standard Maxalt tablet formulation (which also should not be crushed) or exploring alternative triptan formulations or routes of administration.