Brand Name(s):

• Axert®

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Almotriptan is used to treat the symptoms of migraine headaches (severe, throbbing headaches that sometimes are accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to sound and light). Almotriptan is in a class of medications called selective serotonin receptor agonists. It works by narrowing blood vessels in the brain, stopping pain signals from being sent to the brain, and stopping the release of certain natural substances that cause pain, nausea, and other symptoms of migraine. Almotriptan does not prevent migraine attacks.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Almotriptan comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken at the first sign of a migraine attack. If your symptoms improve after you take almotriptan but return after 2 hours or longer, you may take a second tablet. However, if your symptoms do not improve after you take almotriptan, do not take a second tablet before calling your doctor. Do not take more than two almotriptan tablets in any 24-hour period. Call your doctor if you need to take almotriptan more than four times a month. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take almotriptan exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

You may take your first dose of almotriptan in a doctor's office or other medical facility where you can be monitored for serious reactions.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before taking almotriptan,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to almotriptan or any other medications.
• do not take almotriptan within 24 hours of another selective serotonin receptor agonist such as eletriptan (Relpax), frovatriptan (Frova), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex), or zolmitriptan (Zomig); or ergot-type medications such as bromocriptine (Parlodel), cabergoline (Dostinex), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), ergoloid mesylates (Germinal, Hydergine), ergonovine (Ergotrate), ergotamine (Bellergal-S, Cafergot, Ergomar, Wigraine), methylergonovine (Methergine), methysergide (Sansert), and pergolide (Permax).
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking, have recently stopped taking, or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: antifungals such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), and ketoconazole (Nizoral); cimetidine (Tagamet); clarithromycin (Biaxin); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); danazol (Danocrine); delavirdine (Rescriptor); diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac); erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin); HIV protease inhibitors such as indinavir (Crixivan) and ritonavir (Norvir); isoniazid (INH, Nydrazid); metronidazole (Flagyl); nefazodone (Serzone); selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, in Symbyax), fluvoxamine, paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft); selective serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta), sibutramine (Meridia), and venlafaxine (Effexor); troleandomycin (TAO); and zafirlukast (Accolate). Also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the following medications or if you have stopped taking them within the past 2 weeks: monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, including isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl), and tranylcypromine (Parnate). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you smoke, if you or any family members have or have ever had heart disease, if you have gone through menopause (change of life), and if you have or have ever had a heart attack; angina (chest pain); high blood pressure; high cholesterol; diabetes; circulation problems; or kidney or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking almotriptan, call your doctor.
• you should know that almotriptan may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
• talk to your doctor about your headache symptoms to make sure they are caused by migraine. Almotriptan should not be used to treat hemiplegic or basilar migraine or headaches caused by other conditions (such as cluster headaches).

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Talk to your doctor about drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness in the chest, throat, neck, and/or jaw
• slow or difficult speech
• dizziness or faintness
• weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
• rapid, pounding, or irregular heart beat
• difficulty breathing
• headache

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Last Reviewed: September 1, 2010.