Information about Relpax (Eletriptan)
Relpax is a prescription medication that contains eletriptan as its active ingredient. It is a triptan drug, primarily used to treat acute migraine attacks with or without aura in adults. Eletriptan works by activating serotonin receptors in the brain, causing blood vessels to constrict and reducing inflammation, which helps alleviate the pain and other symptoms of migraines. It is not intended for the prevention of migraines but rather for their immediate treatment.
Product Highlights
- Relpax is used to treat acute migraine attacks in adults, both with and without aura. It helps alleviate headache, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound.
- The drug is not for preventing migraines but is effective in providing relief once a migraine has started.
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- Relpax effectively relieves migraine pain and other symptoms, including nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.
- It specifically targets the pathways that contribute to migraines, making it a targeted and effective treatment option.
- Relpax is generally well-tolerated with fewer side effects compared to some other migraine medications.
- Available in oral tablet form, Relpax is easy to take and convenient for patients needing immediate relief.
Direction of Use
- The typical starting dose is 40 mg taken orally, as soon as the migraine starts. If the migraine symptoms return, a second dose may be taken, but no more than two doses (80 mg total) should be taken in 24 hours.
- It is recommended to take Relpax as soon as a migraine starts for the best results. It should not be used as a preventive medication.
- Relpax can be taken with or without food. However, it should be swallowed whole with a glass of water; do not chew or break the tablet.
Safety Concerns
- As a triptan, Relpax can cause blood vessels to constrict, which may affect blood flow. This could be dangerous for individuals with certain heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, or a history of stroke.
- There is a rare but serious risk of serotonin syndrome, especially if taken with other serotonergic medications (e.g., antidepressants). Symptoms may include restlessness, hallucinations, fever, and a rapid heartbeat.
- Overuse of migraine medications, including Relpax, can lead to rebound headaches, where headaches become more frequent.
- The safety of Relpax during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well established. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult your healthcare provider.
Avoid Relpax (Eletriptan) If
- Avoid Relpax if you have a history of heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, stroke, or other cardiovascular conditions.
- Do not use Relpax in combination with other serotonergic medications (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors), as this increases the risk of serotonin syndrome.
- If you have severe liver or kidney impairment, avoid using Relpax, as it may not be safe or may require dose adjustments.
- Relpax should not be used to treat hemiplegic or basilar migraines, which involve specific neurological symptoms that could be worsened by triptans.
- If you have had an allergic reaction to eletriptan or any of the ingredients in Relpax, avoid using this medication.
