Eletriptan

Eletriptan is given to treat migraine headaches in adults. Eletriptan relieves the intensity of the pain and other symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and hypersensitivity to light, though it does not prevent nor reduce the frequency of attacks. Eletriptan can also be used for cluster headaches. Migraine is believed to be caused by swollen or dilated blood vessels; Eletriptan acts on neurotransmitter serotonin (5HT) receptors in the brain by narrowing those blood vessels. Eletriptan usually takes about an hour to relieve the symptoms.

Eletriptan should only be given when the pain from migraine attack does not respond to regular pain killers like Aspirin, Acetaminophen (paracetamol) or Ibuprofen.

ELETRIPTAN SIDE EFFECTS

Common side effects of Eletriptan may include dizziness, nasal discomfort, muscle weakness, nausea, neck pain, numbness, vomiting and temporary rise in blood pressure. Rare side effects of Eletriptan may include severe allergic reactions, anxiety, asthma, agitation, changes in heart rhythm, confusion, constipation, cough, depression, difficult or painful urination, fatigue, pressure in chest, rapid and throbbing heartbeat, rash, ringing in the ears, tightness in chest, tremors, and vision changes.

ELETRIPTAN WARNING

Eletriptan should not be given to those with high blood pressure or who have or are at risk of heart disease or condition. It should also not be used if you have liver or kidney disease.

Eletriptan must not be given for 2 weeks after taking an MAO inhibitor drug such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate.

If you develop severe chest pain after taking Eletriptan, seek medical help right away.

Eletriptan injections should not be injected into a vein. This could result in a serious heart irregularity.

Though rarely, severe and fatal allergic reactions have occurred in people taking Eletriptan. In rare cases, people taking Eletriptan have suffered seizures.

ELETRIPTAN AND PREGNANCY

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your physician before taking Eletriptan as animal studies have shown damage to fetus..

Nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feed while taking Eletriptan.

ELETRIPTAN INTERACTION

Check with your doctor before combining Eletriptan with the following:

Drugs classified as MAO inhibitors
Ergot-containing drugs such as Cafergot and Ergostat
Luvox
Paxil
Prozac
Zoloft

ELETRIPTAN DOSES

Eletriptan is not recommended for children under 18.
ELETRIPTAN TABLETS
The usual adult dose is one 20-40mg tablet taken with meal or milk. Eletriptan should be taken right at the onset of the pain, for better results. The maximum dose for a day should not exceed 80mg.

Those with liver disease should take lower doses of Eletriptan Tablets.

ELETRIPTAN OVERDOSE

Symptoms of Eletriptan overdose may include convulsions, dilated pupils, inactivity, lack of coordination, paralysis, redness in the arms and legs, skin changes at the site of injection, slow breathing, sluggishness, tremor, nausea and vomiting.

A-Z Drug List