General Information

Maxalt (rizatriptan benzoate) is a serotonin (5-HT) 1B/1D receptor agonist (triptan).

Maxalt is specifically indicated for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults and in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years of age.

Maxalt is supplied as tablets and orally disintegrating tablets. The recommended dose is 

• Adults: 5 or 10 mg single dose; separate repeat doses by at least two hours; maximum dose in a 24-hour period: 30 mg
• Pediatric patients 6 to 17 years: 5 mg single dose in patients less than 40 kg (88 lb); 10 mg single dose in patients 40 kg (88 lb) or more

Mechanism of Action

Rizatriptan binds with high affinity to human cloned 5-HT1B/1D receptors. Maxalt presumably exerts its therapeutic effects in the treatment of migraine headache by binding to 5-HT1B/1D receptors located on intracranial blood vessels and sensory nerves of the trigeminal system.

Side Effects

Adverse effects associated with the use of Maxalt may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• asthenia/fatigue
• somnolence
• pain/pressure sensation
• dizziness

Clinical Trial Results

In clinical studies it was found that approximately 70% of patients who took Maxalt 10mg reported pain relief at two hours, while 60% of patients who took the 5mg dose reported pain relief at two hours as well. Both formulations will be made available in 10mg and 5mg strengths.