Eletriptan is used to treat migraine (severe throbbing pain or pulsating sensation usually affecting one side of the head and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound).
Take Eletriptan exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
Take Eletriptan only when you have a migraine attack.
This medicine should be taken at the first sign of a migraine. If your migraine does not go away after taking the first dose, do not take a second dose without first asking your doctor. If your doctor says that you can take a second dose, wait for at least 2 hours from the time you took the first dose before taking the second dose.
Inform your doctor if Eletriptan does not give you any relief.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure
- heart disease e.g. irregular or abnormal heartbeat, heart failure, previous heart attack
- narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels outside of the heart and brain causing poor blood circulation to the arms and legs
- ischaemic bowel disease (lack of blood flow to the bowel)
- severe liver disease
- severe kidney disease
as Eletriptan may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Eletriptan if you have already taken another migraine medicine e.g. sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, or ergotamine within the last 24 hours.
Do not take this medicine if you have taken certain medicines to treat fungal infections, certain antibiotics, or certain medicines for HIV infection within the last 72 hours. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol levels in the blood
- diabetes
- obesity
- family history of coronary artery disease (narrowing of the blood vessels of the heart)
- men more than 40 years old
- women who have gone through menopause
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Notify your doctor if you smoke or a chain smoker.
Eletriptan should not be taken to prevent or reduce the number of migraine attacks.
Your doctor may need to do a medical examination and various tests before starting you on this medicine.
If you have an increased risk of heart disease, your doctor may advise you to take your first dose of Eletriptan in the clinic so that he can monitor your response. You will also be required to have regular heart check-ups while being treated with this medicine.
Eletriptan is not a painkiller. Do not take it for any other purpose other than to relieve a migraine.
Eletriptan may cause drowsiness or dizziness. This medicine may also cause you to suddenly fall asleep during your daily activities such as eating and watching television. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, stomach pain or discomfort, indigestion, difficulty swallowing, weakness, chills, back or muscle pain, numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet, throat tightness, sweating, rash, itching, and feeling of warmth.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- signs and symptoms of heart rhythm disturbance e.g. fluttering in the chest, fast or slow heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath
- signs and symptoms of heart attack e.g. chest pain, tightness or pressure, pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder or back, shortness of breath, lightheadedness
- sudden severe headache, stiff neck, feeling sick, sensitivity to light, blurred or double vision
- weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, vision problems, changes in balance or coordination
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Eletriptan if you have already taken another medicine to treat migraine e.g. sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, ergotamine, methysergide within the last 24 hours.
Do not take this medicine if you have taken any of these medicines within the last 72 hours:
- certain medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, troleandomycin
- medicines to treat HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, nelfinavir
- nefazodone (medicine to treat depression)
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any medicines to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine; tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, desipramine, imipramine and doxepin; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as citalopram, fluoxetine and sertraline; or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) such as duloxetine, venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Certain types of food and food additives such as chocolate, cheese, coffee, and monosodium glutamate (MSG) may trigger a migraine attack. You may want to keep a food diary to help you identify possible foods that trigger off your attacks.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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