What is this medication for?
Almotriptan belongs to the class of medications called 5-hydroxytryptamine
receptor agonists. Almotriptan is used for the acute treatment of migraine
headaches with or without aura (warning signs that occur before the headache
begins). It is not used for prevention of migraine headaches or for treatment
of any other type of headache including hemiplegic (one side of the head only),
ophthalmoplegic (affecting the eye area only), or basilar (at the bottom of
the head only) migraine. Almotriptan works by causing the blood vessels of the
head to constrict. Almotriptan eliminates or reduces the symptoms of migraine
including headache, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those
listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all
of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor
or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do
not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms
as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their
doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without
consulting your doctor.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended adult dose of almotriptan is one 6.25 mg or 12.5 mg
tablet taken at the first sign of headache. If the headache returns, the
dose may be repeated after two hours, but no more than two doses of 12.5 mg
tablets should be taken within a 24-hour period (i.e., no more than 25 mg
in any 24-hour period). If you have no pain relief after taking the first dose,
do not take a second dose without first talking with your doctor. If you need
to treat more than four headaches in a 30-day period, talk with your doctor.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as
body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor
has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change
the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is very important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not use higher doses than those prescribed by your doctor. Do not take
a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture,
and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Almotriptan should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to almotriptan or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- has a history of heart disease (for example, angina pectoris, a history
of heart attack, or silent ischemia)
- has cerebrovascular (e.g., stroke or transient ischemic attacks) or peripheral
vascular syndromes (e.g., ischemic bowel disease, Raynaud's syndrome), valvular
heart disease, or an abnormal heart rhythm
- has uncontrolled high blood pressure
- has taken another selective serotonin agonist (e.g., sumatriptan, naratriptan)
or an ergotamine-containing or ergot-type medication (e.g., dihydroergotamine,
methysergide) within the past 24 hours
- is experiencing a hemiplegic or basilar type migraine
