Eletriptan is used to treat the symptoms of migraine headache (severe throbbing headache that sometimes comes along with nausea and sensitivity to sound and light). Eletriptan is in a class of medications called selective serotonin receptor agonists. It works by reducing swelling of blood vessels in the brain, stopping pain signals from being sent to the brain, and blocking the release of certain natural substances that cause pain, nausea, and other symptoms of migraine. Eletriptan does not prevent migraine attacks or reduce the number of headaches you have.
Eletriptan 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 eletriptan but return after 2 hours or longer, you may take a second tablet. However, if your symptoms do not improve after you take eletriptan, do not take a second tablet before calling your doctor. Do not take more than two eletriptan tablets in any 24-hour period. Call your doctor if you need to take eletriptan more than three 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 eletriptan 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 eletriptan in a doctor's office or other medical facility where you can be monitored for serious reactions.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Talk to your doctor about drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.
weakness
upset stomach
heartburn
dizziness
drowsiness
headache
dry mouth
stomach pain or cramps
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
severe stomach pain
bloody diarrhea
rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
difficulty breathing
paleness or blue color of the fingers and toes
pain, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
Eletriptan may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
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.
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.
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 heartbeat
difficulty breathing
headache
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.
Last Reviewed - 09/01/2010
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. 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.