-
Description
-
Reviews (0)
-
Related Products
-
Related Conditions
Fact Table
| Fact Table | |
|---|---|
| Formula | C22H26N2O2S·HBr (eletriptan hydrobromide); C22H26N2O2S (eletriptan base) |
| License | FDA approved (NDA 021016; initial U.S. approval 2002) |
| Bioavailability | Mean absolute oral bioavailability approximately 50%; high-fat meal increases AUC and Cmax by about 20–30% |
| Legal status | Prescription only (Rx-only) |
| Chemical Name | (R)-3-[(1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)methyl]-5-[2-(phenylsulfonyl)ethyl]-1H-indole monohydrobromide |
| Elimination half-life | Approximately 4 hours; active N-demethylated metabolite about 13 hours |
| Dosage (Strength) | 20 mg and 40 mg oral film-coated tablets; usual single dose 20 mg or 40 mg, may repeat after 2 hours if needed; maximum 80 mg in 24 hours |
| Pregnancy | No adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women; use only if potential benefit justifies potential fetal risk |
| Brands | Relpax; Relert; generics available |
| Protein binding | Approximately 85% plasma protein bound |
| PubChem CID | 77993 (eletriptan); 656631 (eletriptan hydrobromide) |
| MedlinePlus | a603029 |
| ChEBI | 50922 (eletriptan); 61176 (eletriptan hydrobromide) |
| ATC code | N02CC06 |
| DrugBank | DB00216; DBSALT000884 (eletriptan hydrobromide) |
| KEGG | D07887 (eletriptan); D01973 (eletriptan hydrobromide); D11617 (eletriptan hydrobromide monohydrate) |
| Routes of administration | By mouth (oral film-coated tablets) |
Relpax (eletriptan) is a prescription tablet used to treat migraine headaches with or without aura in adults. It belongs to a class of medications called triptans, which work by narrowing blood vessels in the brain and reducing the release of substances that trigger migraine pain, nausea, and light or sound sensitivity. It is taken at the onset of a migraine and is available by prescription in 20 mg and 40 mg strengths.
Directions
Take Relpax as soon as a migraine headache begins. The recommended starting dose is 20 mg or 40 mg taken by mouth as a single dose. Relpax may be taken with or without food. If the headache improves but returns, a second dose may be taken at least 2 hours after the first dose. Do not take more than 80 mg in any 24-hour period.
Relpax is intended to treat migraine attacks when they occur and should not be used to prevent migraines. If your first dose does not relieve the headache at all, do not take a second dose for the same attack without first consulting your doctor or healthcare provider.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Relpax is eletriptan hydrobromide. Inactive ingredients may include croscarmellose sodium, FD and C Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, titanium dioxide, and triacetin.
Cautions
Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
- Any existing health conditions
- Any allergies
- A list of all medications currently being taken
Relpax may cause serious cardiovascular events, including heart attack and life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances. Patients with risk factors for heart disease should have a cardiovascular evaluation before starting treatment.
Chest, throat, neck, or jaw tightness, pain, or pressure may occur after taking Relpax. While usually non-cardiac in origin, these symptoms should be evaluated if they persist.
Serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, can occur when Relpax is used with SSRIs, SNRIs, or other serotonergic drugs. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop agitation, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, fever, or muscle stiffness.
Overuse of migraine medications, including Relpax, for 10 or more days per month may lead to medication overuse headache. If your migraines are becoming more frequent, talk to your doctor.
Contraindications
Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:
- You have a history of heart disease, coronary artery disease, or coronary artery vasospasm, including Prinzmetal angina
- You have Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome or other cardiac accessory conduction pathway disorders
- You have a history of stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or hemiplegic or basilar migraine
- You have peripheral vascular disease or ischemic bowel disease
- You have uncontrolled high blood pressure
- You have taken another triptan, ergotamine, or ergot-type medication within the past 24 hours
- You have used a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, or nelfinavir, within the past 72 hours
- You have a known hypersensitivity to eletriptan or any of the ingredients in Relpax
Side Effects
Common side effects of Relpax include:
- Weakness or fatigue
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Tingling or numbness
Serious side effects are rare but can include heart attack, stroke, severe allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, serotonin syndrome, and seizures.
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these.
Frequently Asked Questions about Relpax
What is Relpax?
Relpax is a prescription migraine medication that contains eletriptan hydrobromide. It belongs to a drug class called triptans, also known as selective serotonin receptor agonists.
What is Relpax used for?
Relpax is used for the acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults who have a clear diagnosis of migraine. It is not used to prevent migraines, reduce migraine frequency, or treat cluster headaches.
How does Relpax work?
Relpax works by activating serotonin receptors involved in migraine pathways. This can narrow certain blood vessels around the brain, reduce pain signaling, and help relieve migraine symptoms such as headache, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound.
How is Relpax usually taken?
Relpax is taken by mouth as a tablet when a migraine starts. The usual effective single doses studied are 20 mg and 40 mg, and the maximum recommended single dose is 40 mg. A second dose may be taken at least 2 hours later if the migraine returns or does not fully resolve, but the total daily dose should not exceed 80 mg.
How quickly does Relpax work?
Many people are assessed for improvement within about 2 hours after taking Relpax. Clinical studies showed higher 2-hour headache response rates with Relpax than placebo, though individual response can vary.
What are common side effects of Relpax?
Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, weakness, tiredness, and drowsiness. Some people may also experience sensations of pressure, tightness, heaviness, or discomfort in the chest, throat, neck, or jaw, which should be evaluated carefully.
What serious side effects can Relpax cause?
Relpax can rarely cause serious heart problems, heart attack, abnormal heart rhythm, stroke-like events, increased blood pressure, reduced blood flow to the intestines or limbs, allergic reactions, medication-overuse headache, and serotonin syndrome. Emergency care is needed for chest pain, shortness of breath, severe weakness, fainting, sudden neurologic symptoms, or signs of a severe allergic reaction.
Who should not take Relpax?
Relpax should not be used by people with certain heart disease, prior stroke or transient ischemic attack, peripheral vascular disease, ischemic bowel disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, hemiplegic or basilar migraine, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome or certain rhythm disorders, or allergy to eletriptan. It should also not be used within 24 hours of another triptan or ergot-type migraine medicine.
What medicines can interact with Relpax?
Relpax should not be taken within at least 72 hours of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, nelfinavir, nefazodone, or troleandomycin. The risk of serotonin syndrome may be higher when Relpax is used with SSRIs, SNRIs, or other serotonergic medicines.
Can Relpax be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
People who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed should discuss Relpax with a healthcare professional. Labeling notes that pregnancy risk is not fully known and that Relpax passes into breast milk.
